Gates's Comdex Keynote May Reveal Net Acquisition Plans

In his keynote speech on Tuesday, Microsoft chair Bill Gates is expected to discuss his view of the Internet and how he sees the Microsoft Network fitting in with the the cyberspace of the future. Gates may also give some indication of plans to acquire Net-related companies.

Slated for Comdex tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the speech could address Microsoft's plans to acquire Net products and smaller companies in order to stay ahead of rivals. Gates hinted at these acquisition plans in an interview published in The Boston Globe last week.

Gates said Microsoft is revising its products so they'll work better with the Net because it is a critical medium for Microsoft's future.