Hewlett-Packard's acquistion of Compaq is a historical moment for the PC industry, and one that could cause Microsoft some short-term headaches. The deal not only brings together two computing giants but two companies that have very different relationships with Microsoft. Compaq is considered Microsoft's premier partner, the hardware company that has helped the software giant on a number of new technologies and initiatives. HP, meanwhile, typically has acted more independently. Microsoft and the new HP will undoubtedly work on a number of new projects, but the relationship, at least initially, may not be as cozy as it was with Compaq.
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