I like C++ Builder. I like the fact that it is now available on Linux (with a different name) even though I haven't had occasion to use it on Linux as of yet. I use JBuilder and like it as well. Does Microsoft like any of these things? Of course not. MS isn't keen to see good cross-platform development tools improve and grow in popularity. MS wants platform lock-in. Well, IBM is trying to buy Rational for its high-end application modelling tool. For that reason MS (which uses Rational's tool) might buy Borland in order to get the competing product that Borland's TogetherSoft subsidiary make .

Borland Software shares climbed Thursday as analysts considered whether the software company could be a Microsoft acquisition target.

So the fighting of the gorillas over app modelling tools might lead to Borland falling under Microsoft's control. This could easily make JBuilder, C++ Builder, Delphi, and assorted other Borland tools into roadkill. Bummer dudes.