Re: [DotGNU]Microsoft.NET compatibility

[Rhys Weatherley]

meson wrote:

> Do you realize that by taking the responsibility of .NET compatibility
> you are targeting a moving platform? Consider this statement given a
> long time ago by some Microsoft manager (I don't remember the exact
> words) "We must keep the Windows API a moving target since we are NOT
> in the BIOS business". By drastically changing the .NET platform
> Microsoft can seriously dent our claim of 'backward compatibility' at
> any time it chooses.

On the other hand, Microsoft is standardising many
of the .NET components through the ECMA.  Because
they are the only implementation at the moment, it is
next to impossible to determine if they are indeed
sticking to the spec.

If we have an alternative implementation of ECMA,
then pointing out where Microsoft deviates from their
own spec will be a lot easier.  The public is then
better informed.

One thing that gets lost in the Java vs MS debate is
that Microsoft's attempt to embrace and extend the
Java platform did backfire on them a bit.  PR-wise
they were monumentally hit.

Cheers,

Rhys.