In any case, like other analysts, Miller was certain that any move -- or non-move -- would be decided at the highest level of Microsoft, and not left up to the fiefdoms of the Office or Windows groups.

"This would be a Steve [Ballmer] decision, Steve and Kurt DelBene [president of the Office division] and the board sitting down," Miller said. "It would be a chess move."

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . His email address is .

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