Microsoft probe spurs subpoenas tied to Internet; antitrust effort appears focused on Windows 95, disabled rival software
Article Abstract:
US Justice Dept antitrust investigators have issued Netscape, CompuServe and Netcom On-line Communications Services subpoenas as part of an ongoing investigation of Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system. The subpoenas indicate the Justice Dept's continued interest in whether Microsoft's Windows 95 and related Internet software Plus! incapacitate competing Internet access programs. On-line competitors and access providers initially complained that Windows 95 and Plus! deleted their access software after users tried Microsoft's Internet access product. Microsoft claims this problem results from weaknesses in the other companies' software and has worked with the companies to help correct the problem. The Justice Dept is also debating whether Microsoft can be considered a monopoly. In this case, if the software errors were a result of Microsoft's design, then Microsoft has the responsibility to ensure equality for all.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Microsoft faces antitrust-issue queries again; U.S. acts rapidly to study plan to link software, new on-line service
Article Abstract:
The US Dept of Justice is completing another antitrust investigation against Microsoft that is intended to control the company's plans to move into the electronic online information services industry. The Justice Dept has already dealt with Microsoft on two antitrust issues, including a consent decree that the agency and the company agreed upon that was later overruled by a federal judge. The Justice Dept also protested Microsoft's planned acquisition of Intuit and the company eventually abandoned its plans to complete the purchase. The upcoming investigation will look into Microsoft's plans to bundle its new online information service, Microsoft Network, with its forthcoming operating system, Windows 95. Analysts question the legal ground that the Justice Dept is using and say that it would be difficult to stop Microsoft from bundling the products.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Nintendo-Atari zapping contest goes to Washington
Article Abstract:
An ongoing battle between Nintendo Co and Atari Games Corp over copyright infringement and monopolistic practices is being complicated by a possible government investigation. US Representative Dennis Eckart accuses Nintendo of America of violating antitrust laws and is urging the Justice Department to investigate. Nintendo currently controls 80 percent of the US video game machine market mainly through its use of a computer chip that prevents other companies' games from being played on Nintendo machines. Nintendo claims Eckart's charges are based on inaccurate information supplied by Atari. Eckart denies this and says consumer complaints about Nintendo's Christmas-time price gouging and short supplies as well as his own observations prompted his call for an investigation.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1989
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