"New Year’s predictions of IT pundits have suggested that Microsoft will offer some Linux-based products in the near future. Such a move might make business sense, but I can’t believe it will happen in 2004.
"Microsoft could benefit from developing products that work on a Linux platform. Clearly, the growing use of Linux could provide Microsoft with another potentially lucrative income opportunity. MS Office has the possibility of dominating the office suite market on Linux as it does on Windows. Compilers like Visual C and Visual Basic would be natural choices for Windows-oriented programmers who want to use familiar tools under Linux. And the huge investment needed to develop new versions of Windows could be reduced by building a Windows-like exterior on top of a Linux kernel.
"While these concepts have a potential for generating profits, I don’t think any will see the light of day anytime soon. Why not...?"
