Microsoft says FTC inquiry is limited to Windows program; stock falls $3.50
Article Abstract:
Microsoft Corp Chmn William Gates III says that the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is only investigating the software publisher on its Windows 3.0 graphical user interface. Investors reacted to the news of the FTC investigation by sending the stock price down $3.50 a share to close at $95.75 a share on Mar 12, 1991. Industry observers see the reason of the government probe as Microsoft's dominance in the computer software industry, especially in systems software. Microsoft claims that the inquiry, which began in Jun 1990, stems from a joint announcement it made with IBM about their mutual software development plans. Analysts say that Microsoft's shifting posture about Windows 3.0 is what concerns the FTC, indicating a possible problem with Microsoft's competitive position.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
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Federal clearinghouse plans to track computer viruses; IBM, Lotus will help
Article Abstract:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will establish the first federal government effort to track and combat computer viruses. The virus clearinghouse has the support of IBM and Lotus Development Corp, with several other computer companies considering offering their support. The clearinghouse will have a proposed budget of $1 million annually, too small a sum according to detractors of the plan. Critics of the concept say the NIST does not have the staffing or the funds to do an adequate job monitoring computer viruses. Proponents of the scheme say the NIST clearinghouse will create some much needed coherence at the national level in the battle against viruses and computer crime.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Microsoft Corp. is the target of FTC probe; company is under scrutiny following rivals' claims it manipulates market
Article Abstract:
Microsoft Corp is under investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its competitive practices. The software publisher is under criticism for manipulating the computer software industry in ways that crush smaller companies and injure its rivals. The FTC is evaluating Microsoft's unique role as operating systems supplier and applications supplier. Some claim that Microsoft's control of the MS-DOS operating system and the Microsoft Windows 3.0 graphical user interface give it an unfair advantage in creating the application software. Microsoft acknowledges that it has been under investigation by the FTC since Jun 1990. Agency policy prevents the FTC from commenting on a pending case.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
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- Abstracts: Microsoft loses bid for a trademark on the word 'Windows' for PC software. WordPerfect move signals intense battle; shipping Windows version of software heats up rivalry with Microsoft
- Abstracts: Microsoft confirms that FTC probe into its business has been expanded. Nintendo to ease restrictions on U.S. game designers
- Abstracts: More lawyers use animation to sway juries. Software programs help non-lawyers prepare wills, other legal documents
- Abstracts: AT&T and NCR face major decisions on strategy as holder vote approaches