Re: Bundling and operating systems

["Lewis A. Mettler" <lmettler@lamlaw.com>]

Eric,

Eric Lee Green wrote:
> 

<snip> 

> I think there is no question that consumer harm has resulted from Microsoft's
> actions. However, I suggest that the appropriate focus is upon Microsoft's
> business practices, not Microsoft's product line. 

You are dead wrong here.

Right now Bill Gates is insisting that he be able to bundle any product
he wants with his monopoly OS because he knows he can force the sale of
any product he wants via bundling and preclude any competitor he wants
via bundling.

That is why he insists upon that right.

Bundling itself gives Microsoft all the power it needs to force you to
buy the bubblegum.

You are buying the bubblegum deal.

> Microsoft's business
> practices constitute anti-competitive abuse of monopoly power. You're beating a
> dead horse.

Microsoft's illegal practices include bundling and product design.

You are naive if you think controlling the terms of contracts are going
to prevent Bill Gates from forcing all consumers from buying IE.

Have you ever written a computer program in your life?  Do you know how
easy it is to blend code?  IE and the OS is not a single product now,
but that can easily be arranged.

Windows 2000 Pro Suite code can also be easily blended with the OS
forcing all consumers to buy the full Office Pro suite as well.  Bill
Gates only needs to say OK, and you must get out your credit card even
if you already own Office 2000 Pro.

Did you read the Bill Gates illustration?  Bill was not forced to buy IE
because of some silly license.  Bill was forced to buy IE because it was
bundled.

Bundling is inherently unfair to consumers and harmful to all of them
including Bill Gates.

Please read the findings of facts before you post conclusions disproven
in that court.


-- 
Lewis A. Mettler, Esq.(Attorney and Software Developer)
lmettler@LAMLaw.com
http://www.lamlaw.com/ (detailed review of the Microsoft antitrust
trial)