[trashcanbred]

Wait a second. I don't doubt that this may have happened but BayStar isn't just going to jump into this deal without some written assurances right? There seems to be no mention of any real deal being made, right?

[for-q-clinton]

Very good point. You don't spend $50 million without getting it in writing. At least that's what contracts for idiots say. Looks like they must be more dumb than idiots OR they are lying.

[dalight]

Microsoft would regret sorely anything committed in writing about supporting BayStar. Its very unlikely that they made direct commitments. But may have made indirect commitments, or at least made advances to make indirect commitments.

Microsoft is famous for using their name and the "process" to give people the illusion that Microsoft is going to make things happen for them. Most especially technology companies that Microsoft pilfers via the mechanism of "Due Diligence." Where MS says they are attempting to find it the company's technology is "real." If its not protected well enough, MS simply implements their own and says ... sue us! Many have tried and few have succeeded. But, during the period of inspection or communication Microsoft is getting their way.

Such is probably the case with BayStar where just the Name of Microsoft and sweet promises were enough for BayStar to risk $50 Million on the opportunity to be owed a favor by Microsoft.