[PvK]

At least for the first stage, this is only for companies who want to protect their documents with built-in encryption, and set up an MS server for that purpose.

However, that's a typical tactic for introducing new power grabs to see how outraged people are. With .NET and XP, MS has been trying to maneuver the masses into a position where they have to pay regular subrscription fees for everything MS (Windows, Office, etc.).

Which brings us to Thermodyne's "everyone loves MS when they can get it for free, or use it for free", which I know is definitely not the case for let's see... actually almost everyone I know who uses it. They put up with it and use it because it is often free (or hidden-cost) for them, and a standard most people have, and is useful, if imperfect.

It'll be interesting to see how many people choose to use a backward-and-sideways-incompatible Office .NET which they have to Subscribe, register, and pay continuously for. Personally, I expect I'll continue to use Office 97 at home, and only use such annoying new products if someone is paying me to do so (and paying for my "right" to use it).

There are several reasons not to do what MS is doing, but I guess it seems like a good idea to some greedy corporate bozos.

As for Biblical analogies, well, the Bible has some good points about the immorality and danger of some things. There are no doubt clever parallels in Orwell, too.

PvK