NXT has the advantage of starting a lot sooner than either MaidSafe or Ethereum, but both MS and Eth (too lazy to type more) have a lot of serious backing, probably more so than NXT right now.

NXT can also offer the functionality of both MS and Eth in one package, which is a good thing. Saves time/money on integration hassles.

So: answering the OPs question: MS and Eth are not really in direct competition with each other, but NXT is in the race and ahead at this moment.

It's going to be an interesting year...............