The end of Microsoft as we know it?

John Dvorak wrote an interesting piece in his column at Marketwatch this weekend, he talks about Microsoft (MSFT) and his thoughts on what's next for the software giant.

John claims that Microsoft is on the verge of becoming a holding company in the mold of Berkshire Hathaway. Which I must say doesn't sound that far fetched. Especially after Microsoft let the folks behind Halo go their own way. (after it keeps stakes in the company both as an equity investment and as a development partner).

He also points out to an interview Steve Ballmer Microsoft CEO gave this week, which he thinks Microsoft is going to radically change its direction in the upcoming 12 months.

Microsoft will probably do better as a holding company with many little companies within (think Office, a server software company, an OS company, a game console company) You get the point.

Everyone has noticed that Microsoft is most successful at copying other people's ideas. This transformation into a holding company is a tribute to Warren Buffett, Gates long time friend and one of his biggest admirers.

It would defiantly be intriguing to watch how they play it out.