MS word is mearly a module within my computer that allows me to do those functions.
I buy many other programs to allow me to do many other things.
It's the OS that should be compared, and there you cannot.
In a Crestron system, what many here are saying is that for me to add more modules (software to run new products) to my control system I have to come to the person that did the initial program. With MS OS I can go to any dealer and add more functions to my computer.
If you prefer the MS word reference, MS may release a new version of word that allows me to do new things that I would like to add to my system, all I have to do is go out and buy the upgrade package, once again from any dealer, and I am on my way. You cannot do that with Crestron. So again I say these are not the same.