Sometimes you don't need to win to make a profit, however. MS does have a huge enterprise business. Now what happens when an enterprise that uses MS computers everywhere, MS servers, MS exchange, etc. wants to add tablets? They are far more likely to chose an MS tablet because they are already running all the MS kit anyway and have all their software and support staff targeted at that. MS even puts forth the non-RT version so the tablet can replace the PC if needed. There are companies with millions of dollars sunk into desktop PC software.

So even if MS never wins in the consumer market and always just runs second third or fourth, having their own in house solution could still be cost effective.