The future of classroom tech at BETT

Microsoft held one of the most prominent positions at the show, with two large stands inside the main entrance.

However, it didn't take long for Redmond's outpost to come under fire, as government IT adviser Becta released a report urging schools not to deploy the company's latest software, Windows Vista and Office 2007.

Microsoft was unfazed, springing back with an upbeat riposte.

The software giant was keener to focus on its flagship educational product, the Microsoft Learning Gateway, a collaborative platform based on SharePoint for running VoIP, mail and Web 2.0 applications in schools.

Full marks to the organisers for their skills in juxtaposition: Apple's bold positioning next to Microsoft generated a stream of competitive banter throughout the show.