'Baby softs'? Envisioning a breakup of Microsoft

Article Abstract:

A breakup of Microsoft would separate the company into five separately owned and operated companies, according to Silicon Valley research institute SRI International. The Baby Softs would result from successful antitrust suits filed against the company by the Justice Department and the Attorneys General of 20 states, which seek to establish a more competitive environment. These new companies would cover OSes, applications software, content media and networking. A fifth company would oversee Microsoft Chmn William H. Gates's holdings, as well as cover areas that don't meet criteria for the other companies. Dividing Microsoft would meet the various Government goals. Among the Justice Department goals are requiring the company to separate its Internet Explorer browser from its Windows 98 OS. The states, meanwhile, are seeking to prevent Microsoft from extending sales of its Microsoft Office application suite to its Windows for computer makers.

Computer Software, Management, Software, Company legal issue, Cases, Microsoft Corp., Antitrust law, MSFT, Market domination, Litigation, Lawsuit/litigation, Antitrust Issue

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Why doesn't Windows CE get any respect? When it comes to personal organizers, Microsoft's minisystem does not rule the market

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Windows CE-based personal digital assistants have a 15% market share, according to NPD Intelect Market Tracking. Microsoft points out this figure is based on retail sales only; many businesses by the devices in quantity for special purposes. The Palm OS has 75% of the market. Critics of Windows CE say that the abridged version of the desktop interface doesn't scale well to the PDA's smaller screen.

United States, Electronic computers, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Statistical Data Included, Computer industry, Product information, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Personal digital assistants, Personal digital assistant, Product market share

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