M$ is probably looking at it this way: If Linux remains a OS that has a minority market share, then they can sell Office for it and make $600/copy, gather good publicity, and cry cross-platform support. And if Linux becomes a dominant desktop OS, they will sell a ton and make even more billions. I remember at one time it was said that Microsoft made more for each Mac sold than Apple did... This was because of MS Office! Either way, you look at it MS will come out ahead. Of course, know Microsoft's arrogance, I suspect they will end up dropping it before it reaches public beta.
Slashdot Mirror
M$ is probably looking at it this way: If Linux remains a OS that has a minority market share, then they can sell Office for it and make $600/copy, gather good publicity, and cry cross-platform support. And if Linux becomes a dominant desktop OS, they will sell a ton and make even more billions. I remember at one time it was said that Microsoft made more for each Mac sold than Apple did... This was because of MS Office! Either way, you look at it MS will come out ahead. Of course, know Microsoft's arrogance, I suspect they will end up dropping it before it reaches public beta.