Technology startup businesses always use non-Microsoft technologies to build their products. Linux, Apache, Java, PostgresSQL, and so many other open source and free technologies dominate the startup businesses I've been involved in, advised or observed.
Being a serial entrepreneur and advisor to other startup businesses, I get to see how a lot of businesses are started, the product they create, and the technologies they chose to build their business around. Rarely do I see new businesses using Microsoft technologies to build their products and technologies. Only in cases where the business is going after a segment of Microsoft users, have some added/layered capability to existing Microsoft products, or are a tool for the Microsoft environment, is Microsoft technology used. But, those cases are pretty rare in my experience.
Microsoft technologies aren't even considered in most startup businesses. They require an investment to acquire the software for use in development and test, and they also impact the cost of goods sold if you must embed Microsoft products (like Server, SQL Server, etc.) into your price to the customer. The other option is the customer could by their own licenses for the needed Microsoft products. Another barrier to selling your product.
The barrier of entry to use Linux, Apache, PostgresSQL, mySQL, and so many other technologies is very low. Those technologies are very mature and robust. And you can fill out a development environment and test lab with as much of that software as you want, for free.
Case in point; Take the On Demand Software as a Service market. Very few On Demand products are created using Microsoft technology. I was at the SIIA On Demand conference in San Jose last week, and Microsoft rarely came up during the conference. I think there was one company there I saw who used Microsoft technology for their product.
Microsoft. Rethink your strategy for new companies building products. Right now you aren't in the game.
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Mitchell Ashley is principal consultant at Converging Network LLC where he provides product, technology and social media consulting to emerging technology companies. A successful CTO and product innovator, Mitchell has created many successful, award winning products in the networking, security, convergence, Internet and IT industries. In addition to blogging for NetworkWorld, Mitchell regularly blogs at TheConvergingNetwork and co-hosts the widely popular StillSecure After All These Years podcast.
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The opinions expressed in this Weblog are those of the writer and may not represent the opinions of Network World.
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