Dick Hardt joins Microsoft, read about it at his blog and watch this 15 minutes video to get an idea about what an interesing guy his is.

Two quotes from blog:

Q: You’re joining the Borg! Have you sold out?

A: Well, I don’t think I have sold out. I was recruited to Microsoft because I am an independant thinker. I have worked with open source and internet technologies for 15 years — and at ActiveState, bridged the gap between them and Microsoft. There are many people I respect in the identity space that are working at Microsoft, and that are doing “the right thing”.  I will be joining my foo camp friends Jon Udell,  Dana Boyd and of course Ray Ozzie.

Q: But you are an enterpreneur, why go to a big company?

A: I’m am very much an entrepreneur and am pretty risk oblivious — the financial security of a job is not a driver for me, even in the current financial environment — in fact the lower beta and reduction in potential upside is a negative factor. I have been an entrepreneur for a long time. Been there, done that. Lots a failures. A few successes.  I view the opportunity to come in at a senior level and learn how big enterprise and big software works a great learning experience. I’m also excited about changes that are afoot at Microsoft such as Azure and to work beside a bunch of really smart people!

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