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Microsoft Threatens To Withdraw Windows in S.Korea

Posted by Zonk on from the that-won't-lead-to-piracy-at-all dept.

RocketJeff writes "South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has been investigating Microsoft since 2001 for violations of South Korea's antitrust rules. According to a Reuters article, part of a recent Microsoft regulatory filing states 'it might be necessary to withdraw Windows from the Korean market or delay offering new versions in Korea.' Basically, Microsoft is threatening to take their marbles and go home if they don't get the ruling they want."

14 of 536 comments (clear)

  1. Good strategy by It+doesn't+come+easy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Right...that should convince the South Korean government (and the rest of the world) that they're not an abusive monopoly.

    --
    The NSA: The only part of the US government that actually listens.
    1. Re:Good strategy by Dogtanian · · Score: 4, Funny

      I have to wonder, is Microsoft's future sales of Windows starting to look so bleak that Microsoft needs to play poker with their customers?

      Steve Ballmer is reported to have said "Fucking South Koreans are fucking pussies. I'm going to fucking bury that country, I have done it before, and I will do it again. I'm going to fucking destroy South Korea." ....

      In other news, Microsoft are reported to be engaged in talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il regarding what Ballmer calls a "synergistic exchange of resources; in exchange for free Windows XP Home licenses, Microsoft will receive the use of North Korea's dedicated military personnel and hardware, including 'cutting edge nuclear technology'".

      It was noted by analysts that Ballmer was "unusually serene and satisfied looking" during this announcement. The reason for this is as yet unclear.

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      "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
    2. Re:Good strategy by jacen_sunstrider · · Score: 5, Funny

      Eventually?

  2. Oh, that's fine! That's fine! by Mayhem178 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Screw you guys! I'm going home!

    --

    "You will pay for your lack of vision..." - Emperor Palpatine to Ray Charles

  3. In Korea by faqmaster · · Score: 5, Funny

    Only old people use Windows in Korea.

    --
    Are you...Are you some kind of genius?
    No, ma'am, I'm just a regular Slashdot reader.
  4. Deep Thought said it best by Verteiron · · Score: 5, Funny

    "And who will that inconvenience?"

    --
    End of lesson. You may press the button.
  5. And ... by jmartens · · Score: 5, Funny

    South Korea prepares a heart felt thank you letter.

    --
    Now that's a death ray!
    1. Re:And ... by ackthpt · · Score: 5, Funny
      South Korea prepares a heart felt thank you letter.

      Meanwhile, North Korea issued a Cease and Desist letter to Microsoft, claiming unlawful infringement of their strong arm and enigmatic negotiating policies.

      --

      A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  6. An answer to a question? by ackthpt · · Score: 5, Funny
    I guess there's an answer here to the question "Linux: Why Do People Switch To Linux?"

    "So Korea, why did you switch to Linux?"

    Korea: "For a variety of reasons. First, Microsoft violated many of my anti-trust regulations. Second, because it is foreign owned and controlled, even it their home country is one of my allies. Third, TCO is very high. Fourth, I have had many security and quality issues with their Jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none operating system. Fifth, Microsoft in response to the charges had threatened to slow or not at all release new products. And finally, because they took their marbles and went home."

    "Their marbles?"

    Korea: "Yes, I'm very disappointed, they had some very pretty catseyes and peeries."

    "If the KFTC enters an order requiring Microsoft to remove code or redesign Windows uniquely for the Korean market, it might be necessary to withdraw Windows from the Korean market or delay offering new versions in Korea," Microsoft said in a U.S. regulatory filing on Thursday.
    Man. Are these people lazy, greedy or what? An entire country, with a considerably strong economy that DEC, Pr1me, Unisys, etc. would absolutely have sold their souls for. Microsoft can't have it their way so they're going to pull out. Blimey.
    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  7. Good strategy by Microsoft by Monkey · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is a clever strategy on the part of Microsoft. The Koreans will be brought to their knees when they realize they need Windows to play Starcraft.

  8. new business model? by blackcoot · · Score: 4, Funny

    1) open mouth
    2) insert shotgun ...
    $$$ profit! $$$

  9. Clause in Longhorn EULA to come by TheSpoom · · Score: 4, Funny

    24. ANTI-SOUTH KOREA PROVISION

    Windows may not be used and is not licensed for use in any area of South Korea because they are big doodyheads and we don't like them any more.

    --
    It's better to vote for what you want and not get it than to vote for what you don't want and get it.
    - E. Debs
  10. Re:Their software by filtur · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's their software, shouldn't they be able to sell it or not sell it where they wish?

    Of course not!! (You must be new here)

  11. Right... by ILikeRed · · Score: 5, Funny

    SCO is just the picture of normalcy.

    Now if only we could get them to pull their products from the US, I would be happy.

    --
    I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress -J Adams