Microsoft To Appeal EU Decision

An anonymous reader writes "News.com has an article on Microsoft's upcoming appeal of the EU antitrust decision. Their argument is essentially that they shouldn't be penalized for becoming successful in a marketplace." From the article: "Microsoft relies on the fact that its communication protocols are technologically innovative and are covered by intellectual-property rights ... [the company] had designed its Windows server operating systems from the outset to interoperate with non-Microsoft server operating systems"

Comments

Yeah.

[cbiltcliffe]

Slammer and Blaster will hammer Sun and Linux servers just as much as Windows servers when installed on a Windows machine! :)

Seriously, though....wasn't it server<->desktop protocols that the EU wanted, rather than server<->server?

Wrong argument, part 2

[everphilski]

they're being penalised for BREAKING THE LAW. They really need to understand that the EU sees them as CRIMINALS and not contributing members of society

Wrong again. Last I checked, heads of the EU didn't purchase jewels for jewel thieves or software from software pirates. However, they do purchase software and solutions from Microsoft. If they are the moral idealogues you claim them to be they should stop purchasing Microsoft software. Now.

They do see Microsoft as a contributing member of society. Overwhelmingly so. That's why they want things opened up, to contribute more, and on a different level (contribute not just products but knowlege.)

That, and, the big guy will always be the biggest target, be it by the little guy or the big government. A cool 2 million a day (iirc) in fines is nothing to scoff at for the EU. Probably finances a lot of hookers...

Re:Why the complaints?

[DerWulf]

Do you even know what monopoly means? I doubt it.

What kind of pain are they inflicting and on whom? Same question for damage.

Re:Why the complaints?

[DerWulf]

Mono means ONE. Not two, not three, just one. IF micrsoft really was the sole supplier of operating systems, which is really not the case, you'd be right in calling them a monopoly. In reality, though, there are countless "rival" operating systems for the desktop, the bulk of which are *free*. Still, an overwhelming number of people chooses to buy Windows. Microsofts point about not being punished for success still stands.

Are people at Microsoft writing viruses? Are they instructing people to NOT use AV? Are they telling people to download shady software from untrusted sources? Are they insisting you log-on as Administrator to do every day tasks like browsing the web and reading emails?
Yes, Windows has security flaws. Just as every software ever written. Want to compare Windows to the real world? Did you know that standard doors and locks can not withstand any serious attempt to break in? If the same number of attacks that happen to computers would happen to houses, chances are your laptop would just have been stolen today while you were at work. What you demand is a fortress when all MS has to offer is a normal house. It's certainly not unreasonably of you to want to be secure. What is unreasonable is to put the blame for an internet full of criminals (the hackers) on Microsoft. Could Windows do a better job at security? Absolutely. Is Microsoft to blame if you catch the latest Sober/MyLove etc? Certainly not. Just as the producer of your door and lock is not to blame if criminals clear out your stuff.

Regarding the pain: if you don't like a product, in example when the beeping your car does when not buckeling up causes you pain, you are free to not buy it.

Re:Why the complaints?

[DerWulf]

It's really funny to watch. It's like arguing the merits of anti-drug laws. You'd be the one inisting I look up the the law that says people in possesion of dope are criminals -> QED.