Google Makes Case to Join Microsoft Antitrust Case

Rob writes "Computer Business Review magazine is reporting that Google has filed papers with the US district judge overseeing Microsoft's compliance with its 2002 antitrust settlement, outlining why it believes it has a special interest in helping to ensure Microsoft remains in compliance. The judge has declined Google's assistance. From the article: 'Google had complained that the search engine built into Vista constituted "middleware" under the terms of the antitrust settlement and that Microsoft was therefore extending its desktop monopoly into a new market. While Microsoft insisted Google's complaint is "without merit" it did agree in late June to make a number of changes to its Vista search engine with Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to give rival desktop search software, including Google Desktop, a more level playing field.'"

Comments

tough choice

[wwmedia]

tough choice eh? on one hand microsoft's bloatware on another hand google's spyware

Re:tough choice

[Anonymous Coward]

Tough choice? You've got to be kidding.

I can't believe so many people have swallowed this "New Microsoft" sort of rhetoric, as if they have changed their ways. Other companies may have more or less consumer-friendly practices, but none other than Microsoft seek a complete stranglehold over the entire industry. Windows and Office are still the largest two forces responsible for holding back computing, and they are still strong as ever.

Sheesh, it seems like they release one decent game console and all the geeks are rationalizing reasons to like them.

Hard to tell who is right here

[darkknight045]

It's hard to take Google's claim very seriously, they definitely seem to have an ulterior motive. I suppose the real issue is that there is a lack of options for the mass market. Macs alienate gamers, I'm ignoring boot camp since any argument for that method is asanine, Linux isn't doing much better and it doesn't have an easy PC replacement. To the casual PC user Linux isn't really 'available', really what needs to happen is one of Microsoft's competitiors needs to start taking the market back.

Re:And how is OSX Spotlight any different?

[Timesprout]

First, theres no such thing as an illegal monopoly. Second Netscape killed themselves and admit as much now. Third this behavior is nothing like IE, its easy to turn off and run something else should you choose. Google are just jumping on the chance to have a go at Microsoft.

Re:Bring what on?

[twitter]

[I use Windows because] right tool for the right job ... certain jobs need to quick and dirty. And that means not figuring out how to install a WiFi card for a day and a half.

That's the problem with OS sabotage, you end up with fewer and worse tools. What are you going to do with a wifi card if you can't google? You can thank Mr. Gates for the wifi mess too because he does the same things to hardware that he does to software.

very simple

[x102output]

don't get why everyone is bashing google about this


to anyone who writes software and wants to make a living developing software: you want this to happen! it's great there is a new powerful force ready to take on microsoft.

microsoft is a convicted monopolist and isn't granted the usual rights that so many of you are screaming about "it's their product they should be able to do what they want blah blah"

if we didn't have these laws, then microsoft could completely remove any incentive to get into the software business. why would you spend all the money on years of R&D only to find out microsoft in one quick instant can put you out of business. This is why microsoft should be split into an OS company and a general software company. There is no reason to write software for the most popular operating system when the same people who make the operating system control what runs on it or not.

and I realize this may sound like a google-fanboy-rant, but shut up about google desktop being spyware. you can turn those features off. actually, IIRC you have to opt-in to those features. yeah google is only doing this for their own benefit, but we consumers benefit from that.