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Supreme Court Rejects Microsoft Appeal
Geoff writes "I assume you've gotten a few zillion of these already, but since I don't see it on the front page yet, the Supreme Court has rejected Microsoft's appeal of the antitrust verdict." It should be noted that this was expected.
REDMOND, October 21, 2001 -- Microsoft annouced today their new "Microsoft Court XP" software. The software settles legal claims using Microsoft Law XP technology, the company's new standard for legal systems. According to Microsoft's press release, the software is capable of establishing legal precedent, providing checks and balances against the "other three branches of government", and also "upholding the supreme law of the land."
The software, which will be bundled with all new pressings of Windows XP, is Microsoft's bid for entry in the competitive court market. Entry will prove difficult, but a Microsoft spokesperson expressed optimism. "We are confident that our innovative concept can compete. Just think about it: checks and balances, like, who'd come up with that shit? Innovation, baby! Can't touch this!"
According to the company's web site, Microsoft Law XP will be released under a "shared source" model in which selected plaintiffs and defendents using Microsoft Court will be allow to view the laws under which they are being tried, but not to modify or redistribute them. "We wanted to draw on the best of both worlds," said Microsoft spokesperson Craig Mundie. "We like the collaborative aspect of the Democratic model, but feel that its viral transmission of rights to all citizens constitutes a real threat to the intellectual assets of businesses."
Some critics charge that the release, which follows closely on the Supreme Court's rebuke of Microsoft on October 9, is an anti-competitive move by Microsoft, and an attempt to use monopoly power to take over the market for legal systems.
"This is more M$ FUD," said one post moderated +4 (Insightful) on Slashdot, "They're bundling this software with their OS, and the software keep reassociating itself with the 'legal action' file type. Sure, all the p0w3r u53rz will work around it, but most of those inept peons we call the public will file a suit, and end up using their software without even realizing they had an option."
Mundie vigorously denied these allegations, calling them "the unreasonable accusations of a vocal minority."
"I just want to emphasize Microsoft Law is an open standard," said Mundie.
A source at Microsoft, on condition of anonymity, told reporters, "All your law are belong to us."
This is like a bug that keeps bugging you and just won't die. Get the case overwith already, this is getting annoying.
Nah. MS said that if they (Corporate America) didn't support MS, they'd have their licenses audited!
Oh, and back on topic... The whole licensing thing is an example of how MS being a monopoly is hurting consumers, not just competitors.
Fascism starts when the efficiency of the government becomes more important than the rights of the people.
Ya lets hope s/he is as smart as Slashdot.
There are alternatives and MS is not forcing you or millions of others into using their software.
Most people find MS products superior for their needs ( they really do) and won't even switch to free alternative.
REUTERS
After the rejection of Microsoft's appeal in the historic antitrust trial, the case was sent back to lower courts for rememdy solutions. Lower court judge Bete Shitekopf brought down the heavy hand of the law. "I decided after much deliberation and consultation that the only fair thing to do would be to force Microsoft to give away copies of Windows XP and Office XP to anyone who wanted one. This clearly is the only solution to help consumers hurt by this monopoly."
Not since Marie-Antoinette played milkmaid has looking simple and honest been so fake and complicated.
People won't switch because they are stuck trying to read other peoples documents encoded in MicroShaft's proprietary lock-in file format.
People won't switch because hardware manufacturers won't release drivers for other platforms because MicroShaft has a monopoly so why should they.
People won't switch because they have no choice when buying consumer grade, pre-built computers in all major retail outlets.
People won't switch because MicroShaft has a monopoly on Intel compatible desktop operating systems, not because of 'superior' microshaft crap software.