Timing on new Microsoft book was 'dumb luck'

But co-author Jennifer Edstrom says the timing was just "dumb luck" -- much like what her book argues was the true driving factor behind the success of Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) itself.

Bill's Barbarians An exclusive RealAudio interview with the co-author of 'Barbarians Led By Bill Gates.'

Edstrom is no stranger to Microsoft or high-tech business. As daughter of Pam Edstrom, Microsoft's chief image-maker, she practically grew up right alongside the once-small software maker.

She says the book isn't just another "Mommie Dearest" effort, but a story that no journalist could turn down: The chance to go inside one of the world's most admired -- and powerful -- companies.

Edstrom on what this book did to her relationship with her mother, Microsoft spinmeister Pam Edstrom

How Microsoft mishandled its public statements about the DOJ case.

What Microsoft developers say about the plan to include a browser with Windows 95.

Edstrom's mother isn't speaking to her because of the book, but Jennifer says she still loves her mom, and thinks she's a genius for the job she did in creating the public's image of Microsoft and its co-founder, Bill Gates.

In a ZDNN interview, Jennifer Edstrom tells why she chose to write a book that could cause family strain, and how Windows 3.0, a wildly successful product, almost didn't happen.

How her perceptions of Microsoft changed while writing the book.

What's in the book that the DOJ might want to know about.

How Windows 3.0 was killed but came to market anyway.

She also sheds insight into just whether Windows 95 was really supposed to include a browser from the start.

There's enough dicey material in the book that it will probably be read very closely by both trustbusters and Microsoft's legal team -- and the author could find her next project involves dictating a deposition.