Yes, I know these people already know one another. But I'm hoping that by re-introducing them, I can get them to start talking about an agreement that both sides seem to want, but nobody seems willing to make happen. Specifically, we're talking a formal, written agreement covering how Microsoft and Apple will work together over the next five years.
I haven't found anyone at either company who is strongly opposed to such an undertaking. Microsoft's Browne told me yesterday (on the radio, no less) that Microsoft is open to it. "Certainly we would both welcome an agreement," Browne told me before trailing off into a string of disclaimers about advancing "the strategic interest of our companies."
How about the strategic interests of your shared customers? I have yet to find an Apple customer with any understanding of the issue who doesn't want the existing formal agreement extended. So, what say we schedule a meeting, where I will play host/matchmaker and hold all four executives (and their lawyers) essentially hostage until they iron out something that makes everyone--especially customers--happy? If neutral turf is important, you could even use one of the nice new conference rooms here in the CNET building.
Why am I doing this? Back in January, I wrote a column asking whether Microsoft would pull the plug on its Mac products when the current written agreement between the two companies ends in August. While Apple has sounded interested in a new deal, Microsoft hasn't. Sure, Microsoft "promises" to support Mac. But I want something more, and so do people who buy Microsoft products for Mac.
A couple of issues are on the table. The first concerns Mac versions of Microsoft Office. Yesterday, Microsoft's Browne announced that Microsoft will continue to build Office for Macintosh at the conclusion of the current five-year agreement on a "release to release" basis. Which I take to mean that, as long as Mac Office is profitable, Microsoft will continue to build new versions.
The second issue is .Net. Browne says Microsoft will implement certain features of the .Net Web services platform within Mac Office. But the company won't do a full implementation of .Net, believing that's the responsibility of Apple and companies that sell Mac development tools. Microsoft, however, is willing to license the necessary technology to Apple and help with the full .Net implementation.
What I'd like to see is a new five-year agreement. Specifically, Microsoft should agree to develop Office and other applications for Mac OS X and its successors for another five years. I'm willing to accept an "out clause" that would release Microsoft from the obligations, should Apple fall into a sales abyss. I am not expecting this, but should it happen, Microsoft deserves relief.
The agreement should also cover licensing (and cross-licensing, as required) of the technologies necessary to make the Mac a first-class .Net client, on a par with Windows clients. I don't require (or expect) an agreement that would call for the creation of Mac OS .Net servers. I'd also like to see Microsoft promise that all the .Net services it hosts or for which it sells servers will be compatible with the Mac .Net client that results from this agreement.
I also want the agreement to require compatibility between the Windows and Mac releases of "core" Microsoft technologies like Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other middleware. And I'd like to see a Mac version of ActiveSync, or whatever Microsoft technologies users need to keep mobile devices and desktops synchronised. (Could this be a .Net service?)
On my radio program yesterday, Browne told me that Microsoft would be willing to enter into a new written agreement, even though the company sees no particular need to do so. He points out that Microsoft has already done more than the current agreement requires. But I believe it is vastly in Apple's interest to have such an agreement in writing--and I get the feeling Apple agrees with me.
IKs Microsoft is really willing, and Apple can refrain from being its usual difficult self, this agreement shouldn't take long to draft. I'm open to the idea that money might change hands, but what would Microsoft do with Apple's money? Likewise, why would Microsoft pay for the privilege of playing a major role in keeping a competing (with Windows) operating system alive?
Now, I'm willing to wait while the two Steves and their entourages pick a time and place for these meetings. Heck, I don't even have to be there (though it would be fun). But I won't wait forever. I'm giving them until Macworld in August--the end of the first five-year agreement--to make this happen.
For the time being, I'm taking both sides at their word, that Microsoft and Apple aren't competitors but partners. But, like the rest of their combined customer base, I still want to see proof. And I want to see it in writing.
What do you think? Should Microsoft and Apple ink a new deal? What would you like to see in that agreement? TalkBack to me below.
