Slashdot Mirror
Microsoft, Google Agree To Stop Complaining To Regulators About Each Other (recode.net)
An anonymous reader shares an article on Recode: Microsoft and Google say they have recently reached an agreement under which they will drop pending regulatory complaints against one another across the globe. The two have also agreed that they will try to work among themselves to settle any future issues before running to regulators. "Microsoft has agreed to withdraw its regulatory complaints against Google, reflecting our changing legal priorities," a Microsoft representative said in a statement to Re/code. âoeWe will continue to focus on competing vigorously for business and for customers." Google, meanwhile, offered up a similar statement, affirming that it too will withdraw any regulatory complaints it has made. âoeOur companies compete vigorously, but we want to do so on the merits of our products, not in legal proceedings."Also from the report, "The timing is interesting, coming just as European regulators charge that Google is abusing its position in the Android market. However, both sides say the deal was in the works for some time."
"Cartel"? Is that the word for it?
I never thought I would see this sort of thing in my lifetime.
Using your own strength and position to get what you want is healthy, respectable competition. Running to regulators is like a couple of little kids fighting in the back seat and is admitting you don't have what it takes to play on the market. Especially at the size of these two companies.
The preceding post was not a Slashvertisement.
Does this sound like collusion to anyone else?
Microsoft has agreed to withdraw its regulatory complaints against Google, reflecting our changing legal priorities
Seems like they finally realised who the real enemy is in this: the consumer.
Seriously though, if you don't want any trouble with regulatory complaints, maybe try not to break any regulations.
http://techrights.org/2015/10/...
Disclaimer: he might be a bit biased, but there is probably lots of truth as well.
test
There there, I'm sure they'll have convincing stories about other targets that must be, NEED to be sued. As it was, as it will always be.
They both finally wised up and realized they can cut a huge operating expense by dropping any lawsuits against each other. I could imagine they'll save tremendously in legal expenses.
How are the Office Open XML (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) formats still "closed proprietary monstrosities"? Are there still holes in the documentation published by Ecma and ISO? Or is Microsoft claiming that third-party implementations infringe its copyrights, patents, or trademarks?
By solving the issues internally regulators don't get to see the details and thus they fail to create or impose more regulations against the companies. My friends father is part of a regulatory committee in his industry and the majority of new regulations come from disputes.
Mob doesn't use police?
Police corruption is a fundamental criminal mob activity. It is their version of regulatory capture.
Microsoft: Mom, Google just poked me!
Google: Did Not!
Microsoft: Did too!
Mom: Google, please stop touching Microsoft.
(Microsoft sticks its tongue out at Google. Then, a minute later puts its hand down on the seat and starts slowly moving it towards Google)
Google: MO-ommm, Microsoft has its hand on my seat!
Microsoft: MO-ommm, Microsoft has its hand on my seat!
Google: Stop repeating everything I say!
Microsoft: Stop repeating everything I say!
Google: Microsoft is an idiot!
Microsoft: Microsoft is an... (then punches Google)
Google: MOM! MICROSOFT HIT ME!
Microsoft: GOOGLE STARTED IT!
Mom: Both of you, knock it off! You two need to get along - we've got a long trip ahead.
Dad: YOU TWO KNOCK IT OFF RIGHT NOW OR I AM TURNING THIS CAR AROUND!
(Google sticks its tongue out at Microsoft)
#DeleteChrome
If they don't have full disclosure of every dispute and every resolution, they will be in violation of the law. If they do disclose they might get some wiggle room.
sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
Gather round children, it's time old uncle Sherman played his favourite tune called Collusion.
Now when the young little cats get to hissin' n' scratching
You can bet all them rats are a hidin' and a quakin'
All the kittens that compete get a nice little treat
And the market is nice and free.
Buuuuuuuuuuut,
When the cats dun grow fat... and they can't scratch their back
And they get an old friend to help
Well we call that a scam what a horrible sham
And ol' sherman dun gets out his belt
Cause them rats get to play all the night and all day
And they dun shit on all of our pay.
With a whip and whap I take care o' all that
And them cats get to lose a few pounds.
Now children, you might remember when your kitten was a darling little cute thing and it was full of spit and fire trying to make the world a better place. But times change and kittens grow into cats. And cats get fat with power and wealth. And then it's time to take them out back teach them some proper manners.
Personally, I thought it would take longer. I gave Google until the time that the founders stepped down. In retrospect, it was awfully nice of them to have a name-change to indicate the moment when they decided to grow goatees and give into the bean counters and business suits.
One US company has, as its unoffical motto "The competition is [our] friend and the customer [our[ enemy"
Your ad here. Ask me how!
Remember, this is not yet a week since Microsoft & Google announced a "no complaint" to regulators agreement:
https://tech.slashdot.org/story/16/04/22/1421201/microsoft-google-agree-to-stop-complaining-to-regulators-about-each-other
In classic Microsoft fashion, they forge an agreement with someone and then immediately screw them over in the most mean-spirited, legalistic way possible. Google really should have known better on this one.
We know where leadership by an anti-intellectual "strongman" who scapegoats minorities and likes boisterous rallies goes