[Greg Needel]

This is one of those threads that I really don't like to see, where people stick to their guns and beat an issue to death. When I first read this article I though "wow this is such a good idea" any company that committed to helping to build a better education system is great.

Now about Microsoft and the way they will be "forcing" students to use their software only. How is this different then any other company. Here are a few examples: Autodesk gives software to FIRST teams and as a result hundreds of people pick Inventor as their number 1 choice for CAD software. How about when any company gives a student discount...they are trying to get you to use their software; In fact many companies give tons of software away to colleges for this exact reason.

Basically what Microsoft is doing is not uncommon and is a very good business practice, not a monopoly. If you owned a business wouldn't you want to get the biggest market share that you can?

When it all comes down to it in the end the education system in the US is really in trouble and if people can see the bigger picture they will realize that if any organization, FIRST, Companies, or individuals throws a lifeline to a public school system it is a good thing.