I just got finished installing my copies of Illustrator CS3 and Photoshop CS3. After working on Illustrator for a number of years at Adobe Systems it is somewhat nostalgic to get my copy and check out not only the application, but who is working on it. One of the ego perks of working at Adobe was the ability to see your name in the splash screen and for many years I remember the satisfaction of being able to show my friends and family what I worked on. Working on software is hard and at the end of the project when you produce something you hope is useful for many people it is satisfying. This is the first round where my name wasn't in there because I was not on the team, but seeing who was is fun.

Now I work at Microsoft and get to connect with the folks creating the Expression products and other technology like Silverlight. Amazing technology and similar amount of sweat and blood being poured in to the design and execution. A number of people ask me why I moved over to Microsoft and one of the big reasons is my co-workers - many who I knew in the past from working at Adobe and many I only knew by name and reputation. I am also often asked if there is a difference between the two companies, but for me it is easier to explain the similarities. Both have a lot of hard working committed people (and some who should be committed) working hard on software they think will change how people work for the better. Much more similar than many suspect (especially based on all the nick-names MS has). With Expression I get to be part of new software and new technology that is unburdened by many years of legacy products - quite fun. Well, I'm having fun.