As Dell continues talks with a private-equity firm about taking the company private, Microsoft has emerged as a potential buyout partner. The discussed deal -- involving a $2 billion Microsoft stake -- wouldn't give Microsoft operational control, but would commit Dell to the company's Windows software, according to a Wall Street Journal Report. Going private, however, could "mean that Dell could focus its attention where it believes it has the most potential for growth. That could give its enterprise strategy more strength," writes Alex Williams.