The MoD, the NHS and a company called Microsoft

It's no secret that Bill Gates and Tony Blair are good mates. On his visits to Number 10 Bill is accorded head of state-like status and his advice on government computing is invaluable to the PM.

In return, during May's election campaign Tony launched his business manifesto in Reading and then popped off for tea at the Microsoft HQ, just finding enough time between cream cakes to try out Windows XP in front of the cameras.

Is it any wonder that during the last two weeks both the NHS and the Ministry of Defence have signed comprehensive subscription deals with the software firm?

The move means rather than fill in thousands of separate order forms both departments get one all-inclusive software order a year.

The MoD and the NHS argue the deals make sense for them. They get to cut back on procurement paperwork and spend less money on Microsoft products in the process.

Plus, they reason, if everyone is using the same software it is easier for their poor, over-worked sys admins to cope with desktop support. And it stops Microsoft and the BSA beating their backs with birch twigs over software piracy.

But what happens at the end of the three-year deal?

If the MoD isn't happy with Bill's software will it package it all back up, pop a stamp on top and send it back to Seattle?

Let's say the NHS gets a better offer from Red Hat. Will it be able to clear away Windows and allow the Linux boys in?

The conspiracy theorists would love to tie Tony and Bill's friendship to the ever-increasing amount of Microsoft software filling Whitehall.

In truth, the technological ignorance and commercial bias of civil service officials is probably more to blame.