[mettamage]

Your comment also showcases how IMO a lot of software companies don't compete on tech. They compete on UX [1].

When I first came on HN and learned about YC's motto (build something users love) this idea was reaffirmed.

[1] Google optimizes for a collaborative quick spreadsheet program (handy for consumers), and as other comments say, Microsoft focuses on pro spreadsheet use (e.g. finance).

[ako]

I won't say that they compete on UX, more that they address different needs from different users groups. Some users need collaboration, others need niche math functions.