Even as Microsoft continues to promote its most ambitious operating system launch ever, Michael Dell is finally ready to dance with the penguin. The PC giant is “crafting product offerings” in response to customer demand for Linux desktops and notebooks, according to the company’s Direct2Dell blog.

Dell on March 23 completed an online customer survey about Linux. According to the company, the survey results will help Dell to “define our forthcoming Linux-based systems offerings.”

Hmm. Dell already has good relationships with Novell and Red Hat. But The VAR Guy wouldn’t be surprised if Ubuntu Linux makes a surprise appearance on Dell desktops and notebooks really soon.

By the way, it’s hard to imagine Dell or any other PC company breaking ranks with Microsoft during Windows 95’s launch more than a decade ago. Clearly, Microsoft’s hold on the industry continues to weaken.