U.S. and 20 states file suits claiming Microsoft blocks competition over Internet; a consumer focus; government doesn't ask to halt the release of the latest system

Article Abstract:

The Federal Government and 20 state Attorneys General filed two antitrust suits against Microsoft, accusing the world's largest software company of leveraging its OS monopoly to the Internet and software products that control World Wide Web use. Both suits will seek to prevent Microsoft from limiting choices for US and international consumers, according to Attorney General Janet Reno. Microsoft Chmn William H. Gates blasted the legal actions as attempts to curtail his company's freedom and innovation. The Government and Attorneys General sought a preliminary injunction from the US District Court for the District of Columbia to halt Microsoft's described practices immediately. Their request did not extend to Windows 98, the latest OS version that Microsoft began shipping to computer manufacturers. Microsoft said it still expects Windows 98 to debut in stores on Jun 25, 1998.

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Dept of Justice, JUSTICE, PUBLIC ORDER, AND SAFETY, Management, Gates, Bill, Litigation, Lawsuit/litigation, Reno, Janet

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Microsoft browser case has day in court

Article Abstract:

Microsoft and the Justice Department faced tough questioning from Federal appeals court judges in an Apr 21, 1998, Washington hearing on whether Microsoft forced computer manufacturers to accept its Internet Explorer browser software as a prerequisite for licensing its Windows 95 OS. Microsoft is appealing a judge's preliminary ruling in Dec 1997 that forces the company to sell a Windows 95 version that does not include the browsing capabilities. Neither side received a clear indication on how the judges might rule on the appeal, but Judge Patricia M. Wald said Microsoft's imminent release of its Windows 98 OS may make the case irrelevant. Most new PCs sold will contain Windows 98 as a standard feature, which will for all intents and purposes eliminate the Windows 95 market. The Justice Department is suing Microsoft for allegedly violating a 1995 consent decree.

Software, Internet access software, World Wide Web, Web browser, Web browsers, Microsoft Internet Explorer (Web browser), Microsoft Windows 95 (Operating system)

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