According to a press release issued by Citrix, this collaboration agreement, which will extend for five years, will improve access capabilities in the next version of Windows Server, currently codenamed "Longhorn."  In addition, the collaboration agreement will provide access to Microsoft Server code that will allow Citrix to develop its product to run smoothly on the next-generation server software.

For those leveraging thin-client solutions, Microsoft's continued partnership with Citrix obviously bodes well for the future of the industry.  However, Citrix's licensing of its technology to Microsoft back in 1997 for use in Microsoft's Terminal Server product has obviously blurred the line between where Microsoft's Terminal Server product ends and Citrix's Metaframe Presentation Server product begins.  This is especially true for limited users of thin-client computing products, for whom the value proposition of the Citrix product is not as readily apparent.  Does this blurring distinction mean that Citrix is a likely Microsoft acquisition in the years ahead?

You can read Citrix's press release on the acquisition here.