I have to say I was very shocked by this news ( official announcment here ). I hadn’t expected this particular merger. I have always joked what a powerhouse it would be if Adobe did buy Macromedia but I was really hoping Microsoft would by Adobe and offer some massive competition to Macromedia.

Even though I use Macromedia tools to develop websites, competition drives invention and progress; that just makes things more exciting.

Adobe’s [CEO Bruce Chizen fully] expects Microsoft to push competing products, but says the newly combined company will be better prepared to fend off Redmond’s advances.

I think Microsoft has some major developments in this area going on behind the scenes, but I do think this merger will up the competition big time.

Microsoft is also readying a new user interface language for the display of rich media dubbed "XAML." The company was rumored to be working on a tool called "Sparkle" to automate the creation of XAML interfaced, which many believed could compete directly with Macromedia Flash.

And Macromedia Flex especially. Could possibly destroy Flex

The deal underscores the growing concern that Microsoft is set to encroach on the wide market share enjoyed by both Adobe and Macromedia.

Right now there appears absolutly no major reason for concern though. As far as the Adobe/Macromedia merger one thing I wonder is; will this be considered a monopoly on graphic and web design tools? I can’t think of any other competitor in this area. These were the two big dogs. hmmmm... No competition isn’t good for the consumer.

Click here for the Adobe and Macromedia Merger Information website.