"While scores of tech companies were tripping over each other
last week to show support for the Linux operating system at the
LinuxWorld Conference and Expo, Microsoft was busy squelching
rumors that it is quietly developing a Linux version of
Office."
"The trouble started when Paul Thurrot's WinInfo newsletter
reported that developers connected with Microsoft partner Mainsoft
said they had been working secretly on Office for
Linux...."
"Whether there is a kernel of truth to the rumor remains a
mystery, but one thing is certain: Mainsoft and rival Bristol
Technology are the only two Unix and Linux developers with access
to Windows source code and thus the capacity to undertake such a
project. Both are porting other Microsoft products, such as
Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, to various flavors of
Unix and are filling an important niche between Windows and
competing operating systems."
