“eWEEK: What is the .Net strategy?
Ballmer: .Net is the next-generation
programming model that lets people take advantage of the wonders of
XML [Extensible Markup Language] and provides the next-generation
user experience. It involves the user interface, new back-end
services, and gives the user control over a variety of Web sites.
What are the bits? Its set of middleware and end-user interfaces
that go into devices, servers and the Internet cloud.”
“eWEEK: Will there be a lot of ISPs…
selling Microsoft software subscriptions?
Ballmer: We will want to have them sell
services. It is not clear you need to have 80 data centers in the
United States. The key isn’t to have everyone host the
infrastructure. The key is to have everyone offer the
infrastructure. It’s proven you can host applications from one
place in the United States, and it works fine. …”
“eWEEK: Could .Net be implemented if the
Supreme Court upheld the breakup?
Ballmer: Our company will go on no matter what
happens. We remain confident of prevailing on two key points on
appeal: No. 1 is the ability to extend Windows, and No. 2 is our
right to stay one integrated company. This company will survive.
This company or this set of companies. I don’t spend much time
speculating.”