Microsoft’s DreamSpark – not Open Source
Karri Dunn recently announced DreamSpark on Port25. DreamSpark is a program that provides free Microsoft development tools to students for non-commercial purposes.
As Microsoft has wisely done for a very long time, it wants to make sure that college students who will be writing the next generation of software are used to Microsoft tools, API's, platforms, and plans. This makes the Microsoft route the path of least resistance for all those new graduates when they enter the workforce. As they need more software over time, it will be natural for them to upgrade their tools and expand the Microsoft footprint inside their new companies.
But I wonder… won't those new developers find out about open source development tools while still in school? I mean, there are hundreds of enterprise-grade open source packages out there. Won't they want the same ability to customize, improve, and integrate the Microsoft tools as developers who choose the open source route? Won't they be at a disadvantage if they don't have those abilities? I think it won't be long before they look around and discover another world of tools and start to vote with their feet.
Microsoft is moving in the right direction with CodePlex, their "Open Source Project Community", so I think they see where things are heading. Sure, they would be giving up a huge revenue stream if they open source their development tools, but with the end game in mind it seems like a small gambit in order to not just retain their current developers but to attract others to their platform. If done well, they could even attract a number of current open source devotees.
If there's one thing Microsoft excels at, it's marketing. They have the money, motivation, and marketing ability to make the transition successful. The only question is will they lead the way or will they be dragged kicking and screaming by their own development community.
