[Am-info] "To put it bluntly," Judge Motz wrote

[Gene Gaines]

Worth a second look, interesting and perceptive quote from Judge Motz,
last paragraph below.

From:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/12/technology/12SOFT.html?todaysheadlines

January 12, 2002
New York Times TECHNOLOGY

Federal Judge Deals Setback to Microsoft in Private Suits
By STEVE LOHR


"...

In a court hearing, Judge Motz noted, there was testimony that schools
typically spend $3 for computer support and training for each dollar spent on
buying hardware and software.

He also noted that one element of the settlement was a provision to supply
200,000 refurbished, and inexpensive, PC's a year through
Microsoft-authorized refurbishers.

The impact of these arrangements, the judge said, would be to lead schools
to spend cash from the foundation on needed support and training, buy
inexpensive Windows- based machines and use the free software donated
by Microsoft.

"To put it bluntly," Judge Motz wrote, "in the words of the opponents of the
proposed settlement, the donation of free software could be viewed as
constituting `court-approved predatory pricing.' "

..."

Gene Gaines
gene.gaines@gainesgroup.com
Sterling, Virginia