Microsoft Antitrust Update

You can't help but know that Microsoft and the Department of Justice (plus several of the states that joined in the suit) are attempting to settle their antitrust dispute. The rest of the states are holding out for a settlement with more teeth, or a continuation of the case. A few links from the past few days: The LA Times looks at the states still opposing Microsoft. Microsoft defended the settlement before a Senate committee, which was crippled by political maneuvering (see also the NYT story). The speech given by the CEO of Red Hat is online. Microsoft filed a brief with the court, unsurprisingly urging the court to accept the settlement. The Register has a story on the proposed settlement, which is available at the DOJ Antitrust website. Linuxplanet has some advice for people who want to comment on the settlement - you've got 60 days from November 28. Finally, Microsoft has named two people to help it comply with the proposed settlement.

Comments

One thing I don't understand.....

[C. Mattix]

There is one thing that I'm not sure I understand about the culture of /. here. How can a vocal few (not making broad generalizations here) be fine with more government regulation against MS, but want them to keep their hands out of everything else? If Redhat actually ended up doing very well financially, will you support the government stepping in and saying "No, you can't be that big." Why is there so much less out-cry against, Sun-AOL-TW-etc.? (Notice I don't use netscape, they don't exist anymore as a viable entity anymore.) Given the chance to go back in time, any of the CEOs of any of the big software companies would do the exact same things as Gates and MS has done in the past. Apple would be there now, if they didn't make so many bad decisions in the 80s and early 90s.

Why is MS where they are? Cut throught business practices, strategic partnerships, product innovation, and good luck. Why do you think Sun-Tzu's Art of War is required reading at business schools around the country.

Anyone who thinks that McNealy or Ellison would not do the same things that Gates has done is very Naieve. Look how hard Ellison is pushing to get Oracle for a national ID card. Are people lobbying for an open solution to that, even though it is a crappy idea anyway? Ok. .I'm done ranting. . .start the moderator's downward spiral....

MS ... Michael ... both need to go away

[SuperDuG]

You can't help but know that Microsoft and the Department of Justice (plus several of the states that joined in the suit) are attempting to settle their antitrust dispute.

If we can't help to know then WHY are you posting it?? ... hmmm?

settlement before a Senate committee, which was crippled by political maneuvering (see also the NYT story).

Seriously ... do you know ANYTHING about politics? ... it's what makes america drive and move ... the ability to manipulate people to get what you want. Sorta like how somehow you're able to manipulate people to let you stay at /.

Linuxplanet has some advice for people who want to comment on the settlement - you've got 60 days from November 28.

Ummm I do believe this particular subject will be commented on for the next 20 years. Anyone remember when Standard Oil broke up? ... yeah I do too...

Michael I am very sorry to be coming at you so strongly, but your articles are pure bullshit ... You state facts then go into opinion that has no basis behind it.

Moderators - This is not a Troll or Flame ... I AM commenting on the story.