Microsoft May Be Forced To Give Away Its OS [REPORT]

As Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) prepares to release Windows 9, which goes by the code name “Threshold,” and the software firm tries to move past Windows 8, an interesting question is swirling: will the Seattle, WA based giant give away its operating system?  Windows and Office are two of the firm’s cash cows, providing a revenue annuity that is the foundation of the firm’s earnings, which could impact overall earnings. Microsoft’s challenges to the core operating system In a research note dated January 10, JPMorgan’s John DiFucci noted additional challenges to the core operating system.  “We believe that for Microsoft Corporation…