This makes me want to re-read “High Stakes, No Prisoners,” Charles Ferguson’s account from the other side, of building the company up through (I believe) deal closing. It’s been perhaps 20 years since I read that book so the details are hazy but I remember it being very enjoyable.

Really enlightening to read about the integration that happened after the closing here and about the deal from Microsoft’s side!

Incidentally, I’m not sure the HTML authoring problem was every properly solved. I suppose it split into simplified server side tools for consumers (e.g. Squarespce, Blogger) and specialized tools for creatives (DreamWeaver). I always admired that FrontPage tried to provide the best of client and server.