Microsoft seems keen to remind everyone that it has more money than it knows what to do with. Instead of lighting cigars with $100 bills, the company has instead decided to sponsor black cabs. Apparently a number of London’s Taxis are wearing Office 2007 livery, and people hailing these at certain times will travel gratis on Microsoft’s tab.

Sneak wonders if such tie-ups will spread. For example, the world’s favourite search provider could team up with the world’s favourite airline, making it even easier to despise them both, if such a thing is possible. Or Virgin Trains and Virgin Media could share lists of customers with low expectations.

However, avoid hopping into a taxi sponsored by an open source company, or the left and right hand sides of your ride may part company at a fork. Plus you’ll probably have to get out and push.

23 Apr 2007