The guys at the Internet Explorer team at Microsoft sent the Firefox team a cake to celebrate the launch of Firefox 3.
Sean from Microsoft came by just a few minutes ago to drop off a cake for the Internet Explorer team. As people may recall, the IE team sent Mozilla a cake after Firefox 2 shipped and it seems that they wanted to continue the tradition.
Sean and I used to work together and I happened to be the one that saw him as he came in so he presented the cake to me and John Lilly and we then took it around to staff. I think people found it amusing and the E portion of the Firefox 2 cake, which is preserved in our freezer to this day, was pulled out for comparison. I must say, the new cake is much nicer (and much less brown) than the old one.
A Sweet Gesture in the Browser Wars
The tradition of sending cakes between the Internet Explorer and Firefox teams is a delightful example of camaraderie and mutual respect in the tech industry. Despite being competitors in the browser market, these teams have found a way to celebrate each other’s milestones with a touch of humor and goodwill. This tradition began when the Internet Explorer team sent a cake to Mozilla after the release of Firefox 2, and it has continued with the launch of Firefox 3.
The cake itself is more than just a dessert; it symbolizes the acknowledgment of hard work and achievement. The fact that the Firefox team preserved a portion of the original cake from the Firefox 2 launch in their freezer shows the sentimental value and the lighthearted spirit behind this gesture. The new cake, described as “much nicer (and much less brown)” than the old one, reflects the evolution and improvement in both the browser and the celebratory tradition.
The Importance of Friendly Competition
In an industry often characterized by fierce competition and rapid innovation, the exchange of cakes between the Internet Explorer and Firefox teams serves as a reminder that competition doesn’t have to be hostile. Friendly rivalry can drive teams to push the boundaries of what is possible, leading to better products and experiences for users. This kind of positive interaction can foster a healthier work environment and promote a culture of respect and appreciation.
Moreover, such gestures can have a ripple effect, encouraging other teams and companies to adopt similar practices. Celebrating each other’s successes can lead to a more collaborative and supportive tech community, where the focus is on collective progress rather than individual dominance.
At least Microsoft has a sense of humor about it.
via Gizmodo and
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