What will help the world's poorest children? A Microsoft-based operating system, of course! The One Laptop per Child (OLPC) organization's low-cost XO laptops will now be available with Microsoft Windows.

"The intention is to create a version of the XO laptop that provides the ability to host both Windows and Linux operating systems, giving users the ability to run either on the XO laptop," according to Microsoft.

"Today's announcement, coupled with future plans for a dual boot version of the XO laptop, enhances our ability to deliver on this vision," said Nicholas Negroponte, founder and chairman of OLPC. "In addition, OLPC will work with third parties to port its user interface, called 'Sugar,' to Windows."

The move is a shift in OLPC's original goal, which was to offer developing nations inexpensive laptops equipped with free and open-source software. "Free" and "open source" are not usually two of Microsoft's favorite words, but Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft, said the company's goal in joining OLPC was to "make technology more relevant, accessible and affordable for students."

Microsoft has been working on the effort for over a year, and Windows now supports the laptop's e-book reading mode, standard Wi-Fi networking, camera, writing pad and custom keys, as well as the power-saving and other features of the XO hardware, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft will be adding a standard Windows that will allow for the addition of third-party applications and devices.

OLPC started out with the laudable goal of providing $100 laptops to children in developing nations, but it has hit a few bumps in the road. Intel dropped its support for OLPC, its CTO Mary Lou Jepsen left the organization, and OLPC ended its Give One, Get One program. The company was also sued for patent infringement in Nigeria, a case OLPC dismissed as frivolous.