Reading this article again and I can’t help but be disappointed by the way Microsoft literally screws over indie developers and their projects all in the name of “Open source”.
Their modus operandi is simple and similar:
- They see an exciting and useful project that’s run by an individual.
- They invite their individual over all in the name of collaboration and open source. 3. They hold a series of meetings to pick the brains of the individual/creators while holding promise of long term collaboration.
- Radio silence. The ghost of Microsoft at work.
- They release an open source or official version of a project similar to the one run by the invidual/creators that they had been sweet talking.
- The indie creators are shocked and users are confused.
- Microsoft’s project gains dominance while the other one dies and life goes on.
- Repeat process.
This is not the first time this has happened. If I’m not wrong, I recall something similar happened with the creator of Chocolatey unfortunately Microsoft’s package manager was not able to dethrone him or his project.
It’s a tough world out there. So, be safe: protect yourself at all times.