This has been a solid launch for Microsoft, and great critical and audience reception will likely yield huge sales for the game.

FORBES: Halo 4 Launch Goes Off with Few Hitches

Finally, we see Microsoft as a solid defensive play in a tough macro environment.

FORBES: Microsoft: With PC Demand Weak, Estimates Start To Slip

Even Nokia, revamped after joining forces with Microsoft, looks more solid.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

Microsoft has been the primary beneficiary from solid PC market growth in the past along with Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Apple.

FORBES: Microsoft Sails To $41 If Tablets Don't Destroy PC Market

It is our view that Microsoft has significant potential upside given the continued solid growth in our core businesses, the recent launch of Windows Vista, and other strategic initiatives.

FORBES: 'Dear Members Of The Board'

No, the final winner may well be Microsoft, whose Live Messenger already has a solid reputation in China as a must-have app for business, overreliance on creaky submarine cables notwithstanding.

FORBES: The Secret Winner Of The QQ-360 War?

Getting Windows 2000 out of the door is not only a huge relief, but will also free resources for other things and give Microsoft's operating income the kick that this week's solid, but unsensational, second-quarter earnings figures suggest it needs.

ECONOMIST: Microsoft: Togetherness | The

Nokia and Microsoft are hoping that a successful launch of their new phones will place them in a solid third place behind Apple and Android (Google).

FORBES: Competition Creates Hype for Apple iPhone 5 Launch