Close
  • Latest News
  • Cybersecurity
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Mobile
  • Networking
  • Storage
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Menu
Search
  • Latest News
  • Cybersecurity
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Mobile
  • Networking
  • Storage
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News

      States Proposals on Microsoft Are Brilliant

      By
      eWEEK EDITORS
      -
      December 10, 2001
      Share
      Facebook
      Twitter
      Linkedin

        The remedies proposed Friday by the nine states still fighting the Microsoft case represent the first middle ground between a wrist slap and the breakup. They are the first realistic proposals to attack the Microsoft monopoly and potentially foster new competition.

        When the case was being tried by Judge Thomas Penfield-Jackson, the toughest question was, Whats a fair and productive remedy short of a breakup? Sanctions and consent decrees werent going to accomplish anything. Microsoft finally said OK to an agreement that is virtually useless.

        Many questions surrounding enforcement, definitions and parameters of the new proposals remain, but the “strong but fair” characterization by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller hits the mark. Insiders say the states could have been far tougher but decided to put something on the table Microsoft could ultimately accept.

        Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly should give the proposals serious consideration. And they should resonate with consumers and businesses.

        Lets look at the three key provisions:

        • A stripped-down of Windows without goodies like instant messaging, a video player, digital photography, browsers and even longstanding PC utilities could go some distance in restoring the competition that Microsoft crushed over the years. Microsoft would remain unrestricted in what it added to Windows, retaining its beloved right to innovate. But it would have to offer a low-end model just like carmakers do (or used to). One question is whether enough customers would buy Windows with third-party additions that they are accustomed to getting from Microsoft. Also, how such an organization operates inside Microsoft would have to be closely monitored. But these are details.
        • Providing key applications such as Office for the Linux operating system would almost certainly fatten Microsofts bottom line. Not doing this or discontinuing applications for the Macintosh sends a loud statement that Microsoft at its core wants to continue milking the Windows monopoly.
        • Removal of the Java Virtual Machine integral from Windows XP just made Microsoft look that much less interested in a level playing field. Its no surprise the states are demanding that it be put back in.

        The states have also called for tougher oversight with the assignment of a “special master” and earlier disclosure of vital technical data. They all help level the competitive playing field.

        In a terse one-paragraph statement, Microsoft labeled the states proposals “extreme” but left the door open to further talks, saying it hoped to “resolve any outstanding issues as quickly as possible.” I hope the company means it.

        But give credit to the nine states for staying in this battle. They have come up with a settlement that could make all sides happy, with the possible exception of Microsoft.

        And my bet is that even Microsoft could live with it.

        What will the judge say on Wednesday, Microsofts deadline to respond? Write me at [email protected]

        Avatar
        eWEEK EDITORS

        MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

        Android

        Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

        Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
        Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
        Read more
        Cloud

        Why Data Security Will Face Even Harsher...

        Chris Preimesberger - December 1, 2020 0
        Who would know more about details of the hacking process than an actual former career hacker? And who wants to understand all they can...
        Read more
        Cybersecurity

        How Veritas Is Shining a Light Into...

        eWEEK EDITORS - September 25, 2020 0
        Protecting data has always been one of the most important tasks in all of IT, yet as more companies become data companies at the...
        Read more
        Big Data and Analytics

        How NVIDIA A100 Station Brings Data Center...

        Zeus Kerravala - November 18, 2020 0
        There’s little debate that graphics processor unit manufacturer NVIDIA is the de facto standard when it comes to providing silicon to power machine learning...
        Read more
        Apple

        Why iPhone 12 Pro Makes Sense for...

        Wayne Rash - November 26, 2020 0
        If you’ve been watching the Apple commercials for the past three weeks, you already know what the company thinks will happen if you buy...
        Read more
        eWeek


        Contact Us | About | Sitemap

        Facebook
        Linkedin
        RSS
        Twitter
        Youtube

        Property of TechnologyAdvice.
        Terms of Service | Privacy Notice | Advertise | California - Do Not Sell My Information

        © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

        Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

        ×