Analysts say the two companies are going their separate ways.
Whereas in the mid-80's IBM licensed Intel technology to help Intel compete against the Japanese, IBM now has the problem that Intel is too strong. Moves by Sun Microsystems to create an independent standard for a public windows interface are gaining momentum, and the number of PWI supporters now stands at 19. The separate standard would enable other software makers to build programs to run under Windows or communicate with the operating system. Microsoft officials have said they would open their technology if they saw a need, but software analysts admit it will be difficult to force cooperation through grass-roots tactics. The rest subsidizes monthly service for the middle class and the affluent.