Foot in the door; Microsoft says it already has a set-top box. It's called WebTV

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is trying to change the image of its $199 WebTV Plus devices, which were originally marketed as tools for using TVs as monitors to surf the Web. Microsoft now claims that WebTV offers the same interactivity that a cable set-top box does. The move seems to be an effort to allow Microsoft to set the standards for the set-top market, thus allowing the company to take over the market before others can even enter it. To reach a mass TV market, WebTV is partnering with popular shows, including Baywatch. A hyperlink allows users ot the WebTV Plus Internet service to buy swimsuits. Other companies are beginning to enter the market, and WebTV plans to stay ahead with a new version of the software in summer 1998. Microsoft is also licensing the WebTV technology to cable companies, including Tele-Communications.

Radio & TV communications equipment, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, CATV Addressable Converters, Product information, Marketing, Computer peripherals industry, Set-top boxes (Television), Product marketing strategy, Set-top boxes, Set-top internet box, WebTV Networks WebTV Plus (Set-top Internet box)

---

Borland suit says Microsoft lured workers

Article Abstract:

Borland International is suing Microsoft, charging Microsoft with illegal recruiting of its programmers, thus thwarting its financial turnaround attempts. The suit claims that since Aug 1994, Microsoft has hired 34 of Borland's employees. Microsoft is denying any wrong doing, stating that Borland's claims have no merit. In the suit, Borland claims that Microsoft began recruiting programmers when Borland released a programming tool to compete with Microsoft's Visual Basic, called Delphi. The key points of the lawsuit deal with the way Microsoft recruited Paul Gross, the former Sr VP of research and developement and the recruitment of Anders Hejlsberg, Delphi's chief architect. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company had not yet seen the compliant and could not comment on the particulars.

Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Company legal issue, Cases, Borland International Inc., BORL

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Microsoft moves to control the PC screen. Microsoft takes big step in strategy of PC programs for server terminals
• Abstracts: PCs' big three to join digital-TV fight. Microsoft plans big Digital-TV push, stressing hardware and programming
• Abstracts: Intel invests to push beyond the usual borders of PCs. Intel's Micron investment to give boost to chip industry
• Abstracts: Intel and the threat of low-cost chips; despite monopoly suspicion, company seems highly vulnerable. Intel's strong first-quarter net draws mixed review on Wall St

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.