Don talks about Microsofts shopping sprees in the MicroISV mall, and lifts the vail a bit on how to get in Microsofts searchlights. Actually last year Microsoft bought 19 small companies, who primarily weren't VC funded - they basically were MicroISVs. So if your looking to get bought by Microsoft, heres a few pointers:

1. Any aquisition starts as a partnership with Microsoft
2. Get a network within Microsoft. Use the Microsoft Startup Zone to get contacts.
3. Microsoft is looking for strong developer personalities and teams, so feature yourself  as such.
4. Having a leading edge products is also a step on the way, especially if your product is covering an area where Microsoft has a weak offering. So Microsoft is looking to fill in the gaps.
5. You need to want to scale to millions of users - and not be a maverick going your own way.

So Microsoft is not looking for a quick buyout of a good idea. Rather they looking for the best innovative developer teams, who might happen to have a leading edge product and wants to create a long term working relationship with Microsoft, and maybe wants to influence Microsofts development in the future.

The dream of Bill Gates himself suddenly on the doorstep with an oversize cheque, followed by the immidiate departure to the Bahamas, is most likely not going to happen.

But if you have ambitions in that area, it is actually possible to get the attention of Microsoft, even as a MicroISV if you focus. And even if Microsoft isn't looking to purchase you, you might get great mileage out of a close partnership with Microsoft - they do know a lot of VC's and business angels, who are looking for someone like you.