The issue focused on how those systems will work. The technology's software tools are going to be hard-coded into computer hardware, and Windows devices can't use it.

In the letter, lawyers for Microsoft say they're working with engineers at IBM to develop technologies that would allow machines to run Windows without Internet access. They also say Windows computers could now take care of internet services like phones and tablets.

[Why Windows PCs need Windows]

As part of their effort, Microsoft has given task