audity, According to the following, 2003 may be the key year. Apple just announced that starting in January, all its new machines will run exclusively on OS X (previously, users could boot up in either OS X or "Classic," or OS 9, mode). While it might seem natural that new computer purchasers would want the latest software, here's the rub: The makers of Quark Express, the popular desktop publishing program that ushers Apple into many corporate markets, have yet to release an OS X version and won't say when one will be ready. And the matter of Microsoft and Apple's always-rocky relationship is not trivial. A key five-year contract between the companies has just expired. In August 1997, Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple and agreed to develop future versions of its Office productivity suite for the Apple OS for the next five years. Microsoft spent a lot of time and money to create Microsoft Office for OS X and reportedly feels Apple hasn't done enough to promote it. Microsoft's Kevin Browne complained to News.com that Apple spent "20 times" more money advertising the iPod than it did marketing OS X. Apple CEO Steve Jobs needs Bill Gates & Co. on his side; plenty of potential Mac buyers could make the switch to a Wintel machine if they can't use Microsoft's leading productivity suite. If the .Mac services don't take off, if Quark doesn't meet the January deadline, and if Microsoft decides not to renew its pact with Apple, 2003 will be a hell of a tough year for the company. With so many fires to put out around him, Jobs is in danger of losing his focus. And that could be about the worst thing for Apple. Pinto