Steve Forbes planning to launch Europe edition of his magazine on the back of economic recovery

Steve Forbes, publisher of the journal that speaks to the super-rich, is preparing to hand over to the next generation, he tells James Robinson.

All the world's crackers, virus writers and quite a few hackers are now working for Microsoft, without getting paid. This is the result of Microsoft's change in strategy, outlined by chief executive Steve Ballmer. Previously, the company has sold new features as a way to get people to upgrade, but now security has become the top priority. Further attacks on Microsoft software have therefore become an advantage, because the quicker the holes are found, the quicker it can fix them. Flaws in Windows XP and .Net will obviously be fixed first, and the patches applied first, because of the way it can automatically update itself over the Web. This will eventually drive users to upgrade, and may even force companies to accept Software Assurance and the new volume licensing terms they hate so much, Individuals and companies who think they can just use the same operating system for five years can -- if Microsoft wants -- be left high and dry, at the mercy of the bozos who mount the attacks.Capitalists like Steve Forbes have often taken the view that business is about "turning problems into opportunities". It seems we are about to see that idea in action

Interview Steve Forbes, president and chief executive, Forbes Inc.