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"Other than windows platforms where does .Net run well? You cant compile it on any other system so is it not fair to say its definatly not cross platform?"

So far as I know the .NET Framework is only installable on Windows 2003 Server, Windows XP and XP Professional, and Windows 2000 with the appropriate service packs.

However; it is not the capability to install .NET on distinct server platforms that defines the test of "cross-platform interoperability," which refers to the capability of software installed on one development platform to communicate, interact, and exchange data and information with software installed on a distinct development platform. Microsoft .NET's Common Language Runtime, its OLE DB data provider technology, and its top-of-the-line XML and XML Web Services capabilities give it the ability to run applications that can interact with many other types of applications installed almost anywhere else. Unix, Solaris, OS2, OS/400, SAP, and many other operating systems -- I think it would be fair to say "most operating systems used widely in business processes" -- can run software that calls applications installed with .NET or can be called by them in return. Microsoft .NET does more to remove the barriers that have existed between development platforms, and which have impeded information exchange between them for years, than any other technology now available.

I think it would be fair to say "most operating systems used widely in business processes" -- can run software that calls applications installed with .NET or can be called by them in return.

True, just like most operating systems used widely in business processes can fetch a web page using http protocol.

Microsoft .NET does more to remove the barriers that have existed between development platforms, and which have impeded information exchange between them for years, than any other technology now available.

True only if by "between development platforms" you are referring to between Microsoft development platforms. Otherwise, .NET has nothing to do with it. The mere fact that an application on a solaris OS may call a .NET app on a Microsoft box does not equate to .NET having removed any barriers.

What I understand so far is that .NET is only available on Microsoft platforms. Interoperability implies heterogeneous (ie., windows and non-windows operating systems). The only barrier .NET may have removed (albeit not entirely), is the need to interact with certain MS apps that previously were difficult to communicate with.

To argue Microsoft .NET does more to remove the barriers is akin to saying Microsoft has a lion's share of the market place and they are slowly being forced to license protocols and APIs that previously were proprietary. If that is what you are arguing, then I will accept it.

"cross-platform interoperability," which refers to the capability of software installed on one development platform to communicate, interact, and exchange data and information with software installed on a distinct development platform.

Ok I am following you so far..

Microsoft .NET's Common Language Runtime, its OLE DB data provider technology, and its top-of-the-line XML and XML Web Services capabilities give it the ability to run applications that can interact with many other types of applications installed almost anywhere else.

So does perl, php, and Java. Things built with a UNIX philsophy can interact with any other applicaion. This is not something invented (or even done best) by MS.