So there's that petition going around, and lots of people have “agreed” (see the trackbacks section on that comment for lots of people who agree)
Now, don't get me wrong, I want it there for all versions too. But saying “Microsoft should put this feature in all versions” is like saying “Macromedia should include flash mx with dreamweaver”. Sure, it'd be nice. But it's not like this is some taxpayer-funded initiative.
VS2005 is a product put out by a business. Having different versions with different featuresets at different prices are one way that they try to make sure to maximize thier sales and profits. Saying they “should” move a feature from one version to another because “me want!” is... well... pointless and a little bit ignorant.
So, let's give them actual reasons that they can use to justify it to the bean counters and shareholders that expect them to make more and more money. Here's mine:
- Adding unit test capabilites to VS2005 (all versions) will help reduce software bugs in applications running under windows. Anytime an application crashes under windows, customer perception of Windows' stability is reduced, and a possible support call to MS' PSS can occur. Fewer problems caused by third-party applications means higher customer satisfaction and reduced support costs.
- Higher community good will will encourage defectors from the Java camp to .net (yes, they happen regularly, really!) More .net development means more software that runs on Microsoft platforms. More microsoft platforms means a higher chance of more Microsoft applications as well. (Office 2003 on OSX? but what about Office 2003 on Windows XP?) Adding unit tests to all versions of VS2005 will help community goodwill.
There's lots more. Instead of demanding free features, tell them why it's bad business to ignore our requests on this.