I believe the operative word is *was* a significant source of funding. I would seriously doubt any existing contracts will be renewed. Keep in mind that these are the same guys that "invested" $100M+/US in Borland and Corel (each) just to prove they're "fostering" competition.

And you--of all people--are surprised by the "smile one moment, backstab the next" practice they've used since, well, way back? Remember the "Microsoft Food" email joke? Or the "World Domination 1.0" gif? There's a reason people come up with these gags...e.g. MSFT regularly spreads FUD to undermine the success of their rivals. This is, imh(and experienced in this regard)o SOP for them.

Indeed, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to learn that they approached whoever they thought was in power with an offer, only to be rebuffed. Time and again, this has been how they've responded to that.

In any event, if the Evil Empire is against Perl, well, I say, "Long Live the Alliance." $c&3w 'em if they can't take a joke.

--f

P.S. Of *course* they're against Perl...you can actually get some work done without importing a kajillion DLL's and overlays. And it's antithetical to their business model--especially the one they're ramping up. Face it, MSFT is a dealer...the first d/l may be free, but once they're got you...well, you'll pay for it in the long run.