Dueling Fools: Microsoft

If the ultimate symbol of respect is a long list of enemies, the line to kiss Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT  ) ring starts on the left.

Companies love to single out Mr. Softy. Whether it's Oracle (Nadsaq: ORCL) in enterprise software, Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW  ) in applications, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL  ) in operating systems, or the mighty Google (Nasdaq: GOOG  ) in cyberspace, Microsoft is never too far from the minds of its competitors.

But is that enough to make the stock a buy for contrarians? Or a short for those who smell more blood in the water? The release of Windows Vista and Office 2007 haven't exactly cured the PC industry's woes. After all, Gateway (NYSE: GTW  ) can still be had for $2.30 a share right now.

So you know that I've been looking forward to this week's battle. The Inside Value stock recommendation has an amazing performance history, but what about the future? That's what this duel is all about.

Ryan Fuhrmann is our bull. Alyce Lomax is our bear. Where do you stand? Read on, and then let us know.

Duel on!

• Read the bull argument
• Read the bear argument
• Read the bullish rebuttal
• Read the bearish rebuttal
• Sound off in Motley Fool CAPS
• Vote for the winner

Microsoft is an Inside Value recommendation. After you enjoy this week's bout, do join us with a free trial subscription for the next 30 days.

Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz holds no position in any of the companies mentioned here. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.