My job at MSFT was to put Microsoft in the best possible light, not an easy task, and help developers get access to software and support. BizSpark helped with that.

At Google the job is much easier because the product strategy and technology is better. Chrome OS (open source), Google Apps and App Engine (cloud), and Android (mobile platform) are the waves of the future. I firmly believe Google has the right vision and the right products.

Microsoft is a good company, with good products, and good people. MSFT didn't get to be a $60B company on FUD.

Developers and customers make decisions based on what solves their problems easiest, fastest, cheapest. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to every problem. Google has a pretty solid vision for the future, and new technology/products that will satisfy the needs of a large fraction of the market.

Your mileage may vary.

Don