I think it's pointless to break up Microsoft. Their mindshare has been eroded by the progress of the internet. They are already in a defensive position. Breaking them up serves only the egos and purposes of a few executives and government lawyers.
But, the legal system being what it is, nonsensical rules will apply and they will likely be broken up.
If this is going to happen, most pundits have spoken of the OS division being broken apart from the Apps division. There is a simpler solution.
The key restraint on the development of the web (and competition for MS) right now is the browser. Microsoft's ubiquitous browser has won the war, but is stagnant and retarding development of the object web.
The solution? Force Microsoft to divest itself of the IE browser, either to a non-profit holding company or open-source.
Once its control of IE is taken away (the market share for which was gained in an illegal manner, apparently), the open source movement could pick it up and run with it. IE could become standards-based. The web can evolve.
Companies are routinely forced by the FTC to divest certain holdings lest they run afoul of anti-trust law. Apply that common practice to Microsoft.
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But, the legal system being what it is, nonsensical rules will apply and they will likely be broken up.
If this is going to happen, most pundits have spoken of the OS division being broken apart from the Apps division. There is a simpler solution.
The key restraint on the development of the web (and competition for MS) right now is the browser. Microsoft's ubiquitous browser has won the war, but is stagnant and retarding development of the object web.
The solution? Force Microsoft to divest itself of the IE browser, either to a non-profit holding company or open-source.
Once its control of IE is taken away (the market share for which was gained in an illegal manner, apparently), the open source movement could pick it up and run with it. IE could become standards-based. The web can evolve.
Companies are routinely forced by the FTC to divest certain holdings lest they run afoul of anti-trust law. Apply that common practice to Microsoft.