Re: CMP TechWeb story - "Experts Grapple With Microsoft Remedy" + My opinion

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

> Robert Reese wrote:
> 
> Good use of "sound bites" to cover the potential of breaking up MS.
> 
> A portion:
> "Antitrust attorneys, economists, and software executives debated the
> effectiveness of breaking up the software titan, licensing its source
> code,
> or imposing rules of business conduct. The conference on "Which
> Remedies?
> Appraising Microsoft," was sponsored by consumer advocate Ralph
> Nader's
> Essential Information group and the Consumer Project on Technology."
> 
> http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB19990430S0017
> 
> My two cents' worth:
> In my personal opinion, I see Linux as taking care of Microsoft'
> monopoly in
> the long run. 

<clip  please excuse... see original post for detailed comments.>

It might be that Linux will solve the OS monopoly in the long run or the
medium run.

However, that does not address the harm caused by a monopolist in
bundling its applications with its OS.

How can applications developers be assured of a fair market for their
products?  (Netscape, Stac, Lantastic, etc.)  Microsoft does not only
prevent operating systems from entering the market.  Many companies
selling non operating system products are likewise harmed.  

It might be that independent developers would develop Linux applications
knowing that only in that market they might be free of illegal acts by a
monopolist.  But, the user base for Linux needs to show real promise
before substantial applications for the desktop will flood to Linux.

Something might have come along to alleviate the need to break up AT&T
and Standard Oil too.  Or, maybe not.  But, antitrust law is not about
what might happen.  It is about illegal acts now that preclude
competition.  Busting up Microsoft would open up a number of markets to
competition not just the OS marketplace.

-- 
Lewis A. Mettler, Esq.(Attorney and Software Developer)
lmettler@LAMLaw.com
http://www.lamlaw.com/ (web site reviews Microsoft antitrust transcripts
daily)