"If developers adopt MSN services as their content platform, it's a short leap to get them to adopt MSFT tools as the development platform. (Certainly not all, but a lot). More importantly, as enterprises adopt web development methodologies (mashups, RSS, etc.) to support their own IT, it’s a natural to drive MSFT software products as the internal platforms. Turn Office 12 into the user interface. Turn Biztalk into the mashup engine. Drive the enterprise to integrate business information with MSN services, e.g. mashup major customers and sales locations onto MSN Maps via MSFT CRM. Use the consumer web to drive the adoption of the MSFT tools and infrastructure stack into the enterprise.
The core of this strategy is to stop chasing GOOG and YHOO with consumers and recognize that IT developers are consumers too – consumers who hack. Get them to hack the MSN version of the Web and accomplish two objectives. Put pricing pressure on your competitors and extend your enterprise franchise in one fell swoop.
MSN has a wonderful strategic opportunity. Who'da'thunk?"
(EarlyStageVC: Microsoft - The New API Price Leader?)
