Microsoft benefits by making its Windows platform more attractive to PHP developers, said de Visser. Zend Core 2.0 also functions with Linux and Unix. The general release is expected a couple weeks after the public beta, according to Zend.

The Zend-Microsoft alliance boosts exposure for PHP and Zend, said PHP user Ben Ramsey, an engineer at software developer Art & Logic.

"I think what's going on here is Zend, through this partnership, is sort of increasing the visibility in the Windows world for Zend, and I think also for PHP, so it's a good [move] for PHP, and it's a good thing for Zend," Ramsey said.

However, Ramsey said he tends to use PHP with Linux or Unix. "It's just something I'm familiar with," he said.

Microsoft could not be reached for comment on Friday.