Re: DOJ, Microsoft settle (like dust)

["Norm" <normanmo@clark.net>]

On Thu, 22 Jan 1998 15:56:56 -0500 (EST), Tod Landis wrote:

>Doesn't look good.  If all that MS is required to do is make
>the EXE hidden and drop the icon it will be a trivial
>matter for MS to tell users how to reinstall it.  A sentence
>or two of instructions will be enough.  The browser is essentially
>bound to the OS.

     I'm a bit more optimistic.  This has only been one round in what
looks to be a long legal battle for M$, and if that's not difficult
enough for them I believe they're going to be under seige on several
several fronts in the not too distant future.  I think some people
forget that this latest court battle had a very narrow focus (allowing
OEMs to sell windoze without IE), but I believe there's definitely
going to be more action taken against M$ dealing with a much broader
list of issues.  In 'round one' M$ blinked first, and this tells me
that they new they were going to lose...and IMO they're going to lose a
few more before it's all over.


>So, it looks like Microsoft wins this battle.  Still, my
>impression is they lost a lot of PR ground.   Had this
>experience at the library last week:  I was tracking down
>some info about something else and asked the reference
>librarian for help.  He turned to his PC and started IE
>to access a library page on the net.  I said,  "Hmmm, you should
>be using Netscape."  and his response was "I know, I know,
>we're all talking about it."
>
>Talk like that is good...even if this example comes from
>Scotts Valley, where we have just a slight anti-MS bias.


     M$ in essence pleaded guilty, so I certainly wouldn't consider it
a loss for the DOJ.  Although I too would have liked to see M$ handed
their head by the Judge all they've really managed to do is buy a
little time, and although it may only be a small victory for the DOJ
right now lots of small victories is what usually wins you the war.

 ...Cheers,

 ...Norm

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