But Microsoft has been declared by the courts to be a monopoly that has abused it's market position. Every acquisition must be considered in that light. So they

But Microsoft has been declared by the courts to be a monopoly that has abused it's market position. Every acquisition must be considered in that light. So they won't be buying up Silicon Valley anytime soon. (and certainly not with a Democratic administration coming to power). OTOH they could diversify: buy up biotech & nanotechnology firms, etc. and put part of the $44 billion into VC investment.