Got a twofer today on the technology business and how those businesses can complete. The first article is called Why MySQL grew so fast and talks about the massive adoption of MySQL and its place as a disruptive technology. The second article is Shake Your Groove Thing by PBS columnest I, Cringely. It talks about how companies (like Google and Adobe) can and do complete with Microsoft.
One of the strongest points the article makes is that Microsoft in no longer an actual technology company. For example, it has more lawyers working for it than it does programmers. If you want to compete in the world of technology, these articles are a good place to start.