Microsoft

Best place to learn and create new technologies. Any question you have, someone employed by Microsoft has an answer. It is amazing. If you look through the various email distribution lists, apart from the usual geeks, there are folks who have expertise in a variety of fields. Got a plumbing, architecture, electronics, or car question? There's a DL for it with folks that can start from basics and give you expert-level information, all for free.

It is difficult to get ahead and be recognized.

At higher levels, you tend to be recognized more for your ability to manage up and sideways rather than pure hard work, technical skills, or creativity.

Many folks in senior management are pretty good at managing. I see too many immature managers at lower levels. Folks should be appointed to managerial positions only on managerial ability, not on technical skills.