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Real And Microsoft Close to Settlement

Posted by Zonk on from the probably-a-good-decision dept.

pdirty writes "Real networks may be close to winning a $750 million settlement agreement with Microsoft following Real's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft. The deal would include Microsoft paying cash as well as advertising for Real services, and products through channels such as MSN. Real is holding a conference call after the closing bell today to announce the details." From the article: "The deal follows on the heels of the European Commission appointing a watchdog last week to monitor Microsoft's compliance with its antitrust ruling. The pact is the latest in a string of payments by Microsoft to settle charges, including $750 million in 2003 to Time Warner to end charges about Microsoft acting to suppress Netscape, and $1.95 billion to Sun Microsystems to settle a suit by Sun over Microsoft's use of incompatible Java technology."

5 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. Changes coming to windows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    You will now have to enter a valid email address before logging into your desktop. Also several new unexplained executables will be added to every user's startup folder to enhance the browsing experience.

  2. But until the closing bell... by Tackhead · · Score: 5, Funny
    > Real is holding a conference call after the closing bell today to announce the details.

    But until the close of trading, the RNWK conference call says onlBuffering... buffering... buffering...

  3. Game plan by k98sven · · Score: 5, Funny

    1) Use monopoly power to crush and stifle any competition
    2) PROFIT!!
    3) Pay off government to drop anti-trust charges
    4) Pay off former competitors to drop anti-trust charges
    5) EVEN MORE PROFIT!!

    Nothing quite like the "free market"..

  4. 750!!! by gbulmash · · Score: 5, Funny
    Seems like the standard settlement with Microsoft is $750 million. Maybe they just have suitcases with $750 million pre-prepared. When it comes time to settle, Ballmer takes one out of the closet, opens it up, shows it to the aggrieved party, and says "how does $750 million sound to you?"

    Their little eyes grow wide, their little palms grow sweaty, and their mouth dries up. "Yes, Mr. Ballmer. That will be fine."

    They reach for the suitcase, but Ballmer snatches it away. "First you'll have to sign this," he says, pushing a settlement agreement their way. A pen lies on top, and as they pick up the pen, it extends a small needle and pricks their finger, sucking their blood into the inkwell.

    They sign.

    As they take the suitcase and walk out of Ballmer's office, they hear an evil laugh behind them... muahaha. They turn to see that Ballmer has grown to twice his size, sprouting ram horns from his forehead. "You signed it in blood," he bellows. "Your soul is mine!!!!"

    But hey, $750 million can buy a heck of a good time while you're still alive.

    - Greg

    --
    Start a happiness pandemic
  5. So... by Ikn · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft finally learns the same hard truth we've all learned: once you've touched RealPlayer, THEY NEVER GO AWAY.

    --
    I know nothing