I know this is opening myself up, but Microsoft never forced anyone to do anything. Those companies complied willingly with Microsofts wishes in exchange for a significantly reduced price on the Windows OS. If they had refused Microsofts wishes, they still had the option of buying the OS at the normal price you or I would have to pay.
I know it's kind of a fine distinction, but it does make all the difference in the world to me. I would be right there decrying Microsoft with the rest IF those companies had no other options. However, they did have other options in getting the Windows OS. They CHOSE to sign those contracts in order to increase thier own profits. Now they whine and make Microsoft out to be the bad guy. I don't blame Microsoft for asking some considerations in exchange for the sometimes 80% price reductions companies like Dell recieved. If they wanted to support other OS's or options that were against the contracts, they had that clear option. It just would have hurt thier profits.
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I know this is opening myself up, but Microsoft never forced anyone to do anything. Those companies complied willingly with Microsofts wishes in exchange for a significantly reduced price on the Windows OS. If they had refused Microsofts wishes, they still had the option of buying the OS at the normal price you or I would have to pay. I know it's kind of a fine distinction, but it does make all the difference in the world to me. I would be right there decrying Microsoft with the rest IF those companies had no other options. However, they did have other options in getting the Windows OS. They CHOSE to sign those contracts in order to increase thier own profits. Now they whine and make Microsoft out to be the bad guy. I don't blame Microsoft for asking some considerations in exchange for the sometimes 80% price reductions companies like Dell recieved. If they wanted to support other OS's or options that were against the contracts, they had that clear option. It just would have hurt thier profits.