Microsoft is hosting the TechEd conference this week. One of the announcements to come out is a new version of Visual Studio, called Visual Studio Shell. Reading some of the coverage, it sounds a lot like Eclipse. In fact, Peter Varholl of Remond Magazine points out that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so I guess we should be flattered. 
However, I think MS is missing one important principle. To be a successful platform you really need to eliminate barriers to entry and have a true Architecture of Participation. This includes not sending nasty letters to members of your community.
