Re: Company, government eyeing deal?

[Steve Cohen <stevecoh@mcs.com>]

Interesting, isn't it.  This may be the most momentous event since the trial began
- Microsoft blinks for the first time.  And what have we, the "Appraising
Microsoft" list been discussing today, for the most part?

Thank you, Mitch and Chris, for trying to bring us back to topic.

My guess is that no settlement will come soon, but that the two sides are feeling
each other out to see where a settlement is feasible.  What is discussed today may
become part of the basis for settlement later.  Regardless of what comes of it, I
think it's good that Microsoft is finally realizing it's going to have to do
something different than what it's been up to so far.

Mitch Stone wrote:

> --- From a message sent by Christopher Pall on 3/9/1999 2:49 PM ---
>
> >I think there is a small bit of reality that has hit some Microsoft
> >executives
> >that it's going to be easier to settle. Enough that they convinced the
> >company
> >into "negotiating" mode. They're probably just testing the waters to see what
> >they think they can get out of this. There are going to be a number of execs
> >who would be quite pleased with a broken up MS. But I still think they'll act
> >desperately to hold their "union" together. It will be important to enticing
> >the "baby-bills" companies that follow to compete with each other, not
> >cooperate and assimilate.
>
> The "voluntary breakup" scenario has got to be looking more probable
> every day. Dramatic, but in reality, ineffective -- the ideal political
> and economic combination for Microsoft. It would be difficult for the DoJ
> to reject in concept, but Microsoft could still hold out on the devilish
> details that would pretty much leave all the same hands on board. Short
> of some major earthquake, that's where I'd place my bets.
>
>    Mitch Stone
>    Editor, Boycott Microsoft
>    http://www.vcnet.com/bms
>  +---
>    Like medieval peasants, computer manufacturers and millions
>    of users are locked in a seemingly eternal lease with their
>    evil landlord, who comes around every two years to collect
>    billions of dollars of taxes in return for mediocre services.
>                      --- Mark Harris, Electronics Times