Any programmer that has ever dealt with a Microsoft standard knows what a nightmare it is. They are poorly conceived, poorly documented, and shifting. Something as simple as a CSV file can be an adventure when trying to maintain compatibility with Microsoft products.

Microsoft should just adopt open standards. The time for benefiting from closed standards is past. There are to many options now and they can't be squashed with FUD or by buying them out. People are no longer content to be locked into a little corner - they want to share everything and without jumping through hurdles. As always, the best way to make money is by giving the customer what they want. Don't wage war on the hand that feeds you.