Firms to forge partnership that will offer alternative to Microsoft products.

It was announced today that Google and Sun systems will join forces. This announcement was made today at a press conference called by the two companies. This merger will allow the google toolbar to be downloaded at the same time as Sun's Java software. This will add new users to both companies, increasing revenue and "hits" for both companies.

The larger story is that this merger opens the door for new software that will challenge Microsoft's domination of the market. Both of the companies said that they had plans to promote Sun's Open Office Productivity software. The major implication of this merger is that software can be promoted through Java-based programs such as openoffice instead of the traditional method which was through Microsoft.

Do you think that Microsoft will suffer due to either this or other mergers in the future?
Do you think that free web-based programs will take control of the software market in the future?
Can these companies find a was to make revenue on their free programs?