Microsoft has already signed similar deals with other manufacturers. For them, it means they can preinstall the operating system, and get help from Microsoft with the installation or the marketing. "That also allows them to hold joint discussions with software publishers," said David. For Microsoft, the deal allows it to improve its profile in a market that's mostly Linux-oriented: Bull's Itanium servers will remain Linux only, for example. It will also give Microsoft a higher profile in France and Europe, Bull's main markets.