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Domain: consumerfed.org

Stories and comments across the archive that link to consumerfed.org.

Stories · 2

  1. Microsoft Profit and Loss by Business Area

    Microsoft · · posted by ryuzaki0 · from the learn-economics-in-an-hour dept. · 894 comments
    An anonymous submitter writes "The Register is reporting in this article striking new evidence of what in my opinion can only be described as abuse of their monopoly position. A recent SEC filing shows that they lose money in every business area except Windows (86% profit) and Office (79% profit)." Another notes that the Financial Times has a story on the same subject - Dr. No writes "According to the Financial Times, Microsoft's Windows division has a profit margin of 85%. This is the first time this figure has been made public." The full version of Windows XP costs about $300.00. Microsoft could sell it for $45 and still make a profit. The difference between the $45 price and the $300 price is what economists call "monopoly rents".

  2. Hearings On Bills To "Promote" Digital TV

    Yro · Tv · · posted by timothy · from the shoving-the-free-market-around dept. · 20 comments
    jsproul writes "The New York Times (registration required) is reporting that hearings will be held today on a bill by Billy Tauzin (R-Disney) to require the digital broadcast flag, end analog broadcasts by 2006, and (according to the Consumer Federation of America) obsolete VCRs and make taping of television shows subject to the control of broadcasters. Another bill by Howard Berman (D-Hollywood) will also be debated, which bill allows record companies to attack peer-to-peer networks without liability for 'accidental' damages."