Microsoft Partners: New Windows Server Aimed At Linux, Feb 27, 2009

Among the more interesting tidbits from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's speech to investors earlier this week was that Microsoft is preparing to release an inexpensive, low-end version of Windows Server with stripped-down functionality.

Using it in proprietary software or products can have serious implications for evaluating the value of a business.

Although Microsoft originally gifted Novell $240 million to help fight Red Hat, and later added another $100 million to the pile, it doesn't seem to be enough to revive Novell's fortunes, as the company reported disappointing first-quarter earnings and a slide even in its Linux business, which had been growing fairly well.

In the Internet age, it's possible for a firm with no formal staff—or even a CEO—to best a giant like Microsoft. Examples cited are Linux and Mozilla's Firefox.

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