Congrats to Jon Udell who is now working with Microsoft.
Jon lists a bunch of reasons for joining, one of which is:“Jim Hugunin, who created both Jython and IronPython, is making my favorite open source scripting language, Python, a first-class citizen of the .NET platform.”
HOLY HANNAH!
So what will Jon’s role w/MSFT be? As he explains,
Q: What will your role be?
A: The details aren’t nailed down, but in broad terms I’ve proposed to Microsoft that I continue to function pretty much as I do now. That means blogging, podcasting, and screencasting on topics that I think are interesting and important; it means doing the kinds of lightweight and agile R&D that I’ve always done; and it means brokering connections among people, software, information, and ideas — again, as I’ve always done.
NICE! I can’t think of a better person on this planet to represent MSFT in this role; a Robert Scoble-like personality and capability, with the added bonus of actually being able to write code! (and write it well!!!)
So why commit such an evil and horrible sin by joining the “Eveel Empire”?
Jon continues,
Q: Why now?
A: At the Emerging Technology Conference in March, Microsoft’s incoming chief software architect, Ray Ozzie, showed how LiveClipboard, the 21st-century version of the Windows clipboard, could enable collaborative sharing of information, and creative recombination of services, across all operating systems, web applications, and desktop applications.
Kim Cameron, Microsoft’s identity architect, is taking a similar approach in the domain of identity, privacy, and the control of personal information.
Jean Paoli, Microsoft’s Office XML architect, continues to pursue his lifelong dream of empowering millions of people to create and use smarter documents.
Jim Hugunin, who created both Jython and IronPython, is making my favorite open source scripting language, Python, a first-class citizen of the .NET platform.
J.J. Allaire is creating a blog-writing tool that will enable millions of people to publish data that’s reusable and intelligently searchable.
Bottom line: This isn’t your father’s — or maybe your older brother’s or sister’s — Microsoft. Initiatives like these matter, they’re solidly in line with my own agenda, they’re being pursued in very open ways, and I want to help move them forward.
Sounds like some pretty good reasons to me. Congratulations to both Jon and MSFT for pulling this all together. Can’t wait to subscribe to Jon’s various forthcoming web feeds!
IOW: for the money.
People take jobs like this thinking they won't have to change what they do or how they do it. Jon may get a rude shock not because MS is 'evil'; they are just determined to get their money's worth.
Hey len,
>> Jon may get a rude shock not because MS is 'evil'; they are just determined to get their money's worth.