@jamiet,
I like your general idea of using Azure to expand on the SETI type distributed computing model. If security can be addressed, then it could (as you indicated) be a way for consumers to rent out use of their PCs. Maybe in countries that have significant piracy issues, MS could simply give away Windows at very low cost, and recuperate money through this scheme.
Besides above, I think there are other interesting private cloud computing models MS could implement. I also think special virtualized servers could be set up on regular PCs within the enterprise, and computing loads could spill over onto these PCs during peak loads and other times - for companies that are adamant about keeping data on site. I also think that some Windows client PCs could be sold, with virtual servers that establish private clouds for people's homes. (These PCs would be dual functioned, establishing a relatively cheap, private server / cloud for the home, as well as serving as desktop clients.) I think selling these PCs would be so easy. "Buy a PC for your home, with your own private cloud, to store your private data, on your own equipment!"
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