On numerous occasions before, we wrote about and also showed examples of Microsoft’s vapourware tactics [1, 2, 3], which it speaks about openly (but in private). You might find the following exhibit [PDF] enlightening.

Microsoft moves into vapourware mode again; Vista 7 [sic] already hijack-able

We take a look at Microsoft's tricks for "freezing the market" (to use its own words)

« Yesterday, Microsoft announced something they called "Global Anti-Piracy Day".

Odd isn't it, how Microsoft kicked up a fuss when Google announced the Chrome plugin for Internet Explorer on the grounds that it could make the browser more insecure. Indeed, it went as far as to suggest that it doubled the potential surface area for malware and scripted attacks. Yet, amazingly, Microsoft sees no such problem with installing a plugin into the Firefox browser.

What?!?! Using Windows Vapourware™ (7) as an anti-competitive tool against next-generation threats such as Google? Microsoft got plans!

Microsoft Web site reveals a Microsoft lobbying arm trying to pass the notorious Community Patent

Here is just a quick word of caution: Now comes the latest FUD from the Burton Group, Microsoft’s left-arm FUD buddy, which was only recently used against Google, VMWare and ODF. As usual, it all comes in the form of a report Microsoft can cite and distribute copies of. It’s now used against Free software, too.

There are reasons to be repelled by Microsoft's attempts not just to deceive and freeze, but also to approach 'enemy lines', maybe maliciously.