Microsoft managed to alienate a lot of developers and independents by pimping a new API every couple of years, abandoning the old ones. The poorly managed shift to Windows 8, RT and Windows phone is a reflection of their management. Killing TechNet and cranking the prices on MSDN doesn't help either. Neither did helping the NSA. Or screwing up the last Patch Tuesday. Or trying to make software, subscription-ware.

You also have a new whole generation of developers that realize the Microsoft isn't the only game in town. iOS, Android, Linux and a maturing universe of OSS allow more freedom to users and developers. What can Redmond do about this? How can they earn trust back?