The VAR Guy

A tiny but strategic Silicon Valley company is helping Microsoft to certify open source applications for Windows Server 2008. It’s a super-smart move by Microsoft, The VAR Guy believes, as the software giant strives to compete effectively with Linux and ensure Windows Server remains popular in the age of open source.

When Intel reported quarterly results today, net income was short of Wall Street’s expectations. Sure, the chip giant remains a profit machine. And Intel is kicking around AMD these days. But that’s not good enough for skeptical Intel investors, who want stronger results. Fact is, the chip giant faces at least three major challenges in 2008. Here’s a look.

Lots of folks — including The VAR Guy — expect Google to announce a mobile software/phone strategy on November 5. Now for the rather interesting twist: The VAR Guy wonders if Ubuntu Linux will be Google’s preferred platform for a range of forthcoming mobile devices and services.