>>In short, it is *way* too early to be making predictions.
>
>Predicting outcomes is difficult without inside info, but predicting that they will already have plans in place is a no-brainer.

I agree, and this is where I was going with this. Its not worth worrying about, because M$ will ensure they come out as good as their Billions can make them. If VFP is of any value to them it will stay. If not, it will go (regardless of splits and lawsuits).


>I assume that the restructuring of various divisions in the past year or so was in anticipation of possible break-up scenarios. While they whine publicly and fight the court aggressively, they aren't sitting on their hands re strategic plans for the future.

I don't think it was a coincidence that Gates stepped over and Ballmer stepped in right about the same time this first round started to wrap up. By the time anything actually occurs VFP may have been absorbed by VB (sarcasm) so we won't have to worry :) Seriously though, I think it will be a long time before *anything* changes, and these guys are too strategic minded not to be right where they want to be when (if) it does.

That's why I said everyone was worrying too much, sorry if I was unclear.

Best,
Bill