Open Source Firm Files Microsoft Complaint

Rob writes "Computer Business Review is reporting that Australian Linux and open source consultancy Cybersource Pty has filed a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission calling on it to force PC vendors to offer hardware without Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system. The company has estimated that the cost to Australian consumers of Microsoft's monopoly position is at least AUS 200m ($151m) a year, although that calculation is based on an assumption that Windows and Office account for 50% of the company's AUS 1bn ($759m) annual Australian revenue, and that its 80% profit margin for those products should be more like 10%."

Comments

Price ?

[hayalci]

When they offer; they make the windowsless hardware more expensive. That issue should also be adressed.

Libertys

[FidelCatsro]

As much as i dislike the practice it should not up to the government to decide what companies sell.
That is the decision of company.
I find it as silly as forcing restaurants to provide a vegetarian alternative (I am a vegetarian btw). If these companies can see profit in doing it they will , or they don't they will lose business , Simple as that.

What the government should focus on however is making sure that Microsoft are not using exclusivity deals that would harm the company if they did sell computers without MS windows .
This is key in a free market , making sure its fair.
make sure large companies are not abusing their power, do Not in forcing smaller companies to stock what is deemed acceptable and to hell with their profits .

I do not want to buy a system with MS windows and I will choose a vendor who sells systems without it , I don't want to force a vendor into my way of thinking though .

Re:Libertys

[FidelCatsro]

it has called on the ACCC to require tier one and tier two PC vendors in Australia to offer desktop and laptop products without a pre-installed operating system, arguing that it will level they playing field for Microsoft's competitors and increase consumer choice.

This is what i have a problem with , what they should be doing is calling on the ACCC to force Microsoft to stop using exclusivity deals and the like.This is a clear case of antitrust .
If companies wish to not sell systems without OSs then that is their right , forcing them to is not something i can support.
however i can easily support slapping MS with an Anti-trust suit and having them face stiff penalties if the practice continues.
I would love to see all the vendors offer alternatives such as linux or no OS , I just want to see it happen another way