Microsoft is said to irk some big users; browser cited in survey by U.S. witness for suit

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp.'s strategy of bundling its Internet browser with its Windows operating systems was cited by Glenn E. Weadock, expert witness in the federal government's antitrust lawsuit, as costly, inconvenient and not very beneficial to Microsoft's large corporate customers. In written testimony, Mr. Weadock said no corporate computer manager he ever spoke to, outside of Microsoft's, considered Web browsers to be operating systems software, but rather applications software. Microsoft has contended the integration of its browser is an evolutionary step for personal-computer operating systems, but that computer users were welcome to install browsers of their choosing. According to the corporate technology managers surveyed by Mr. Weadock, it was felt Microsoft was trying to make the choice and that having two Internet browsers was duplicative, a waste of space and might cause conflicts with other applications and software developed by their companies.

Author: Brinkley, Joel
Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Restraint of Trade, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Abstract, MSFT, Internet access software, Web browser, Web browsers

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Microsoft faces a class action on 'monopoly'

Article Abstract:

Millions of Californians have united to sue Microsoft for overcharging customers for Windows 95 and 98. In the wake of Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson's ruling that Microsoft is a monopoly, the company may be open to more private suits on behalf of millions of buyers of their operating systems. These suits could cost Microsoft billions but the software giant is prepared to defend itself aggressively against antitrust cases. One loophole is that Judge Jackson did not specifically rule when Microsoft became a monopoly. But the judge did assert that buyers did pay more for Windows than they would have in a more competitive market. And still, the federal case is pending.

Author: Lohr, Steve
United States, Computer Software, Legal issues & crime, Antitrust Law, Software, Company legal issue, Practice, Jackson, Thomas Penfield, Monopolies

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Subjects list: Computer software industry, Software industry, Cases, Microsoft Corp., Antitrust law
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