Microsoft Corp. broadly attacks antitrust unit
Article Abstract:
Microsoft responds aggressively to a Justice Dept investigation of its plan to bundle its Microsoft Network online information service with the Windows 95 operating system. Moving to quash a subpoena from the Justice Dept's Antitrust Div, Microsoft argued that it is being subjected to 'a campaign of harassment' by the agency. To back up this contention, Microsoft legal representatives pointed out that the software firm had been given only a few days to respond to a comprehensive set of questions and requests for documents. The Justice Dept counters by charging that Microsoft is acting in bad faith by filing the motion in the midst of ongoing negotiations. At the heart of the matter is the plan by Microsoft to include software in its Windows 95 operating system that would enable users to access its online information service. Members of the online information services industry have been critical of this plan, which would immediately make Microsoft a force in the industry.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Besieged Microsoft finally speaks out: We pose no threat; 'I feel so ethically clean,', says no. 2 man in a tirade as long silence is broken
Article Abstract:
US Justice Judge Stanley Sporkin's decision to derail the antitrust consent decree between Microsoft and the US Justice Dept has spurred Exec VP Steven Ballmer to make strong statements about criticisms directed at the software giant. Ballmer states that he and his corporation engage in ethical behavior in marketing and developing software products that currently dominate US markets. Microsoft and the US Justice Dept are appealing Sporkin's action and Ballmer claims that broadening judicial authority in antitrust cases sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the industry. Ballmer indicates that Microsoft employees are disagreeing about how the company should respond to the many negative comments about Microsoft circulating in the computer world. Suggested actions at Microsoft range from developing an internal code of conduct to more confrontations with the firm's critics.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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