Divesting the browser

[James Love <love@cptech.org>]

One remedy that seems obvious to us and that hasn't 
received much attention would be to require Microsoft
to divest its browser (MSIE).   This seems to solve lots of 
problems, particularly with a more general divestiture of 
OS from Office applications (Windows and MS Office).

The antitrust case was not exclusively about the
browser, but it certainly focused a lot of
attention on the browser.  Microsoft seemed to
have engaged in countless illegal acts to
successufully monopolize the browser market, 
most involving leverage of Windows and MS Office
market power.  

The Browser is a key technology in setting
internet standards, defaults for ecommerce 
navigation, and is a critical "middleware" for new 
internet applications.  If MS had to sell IE, it 
would do a lot to restore a more open and competitive 
playing field for Internet applications.  Netscape 
might be be dusted off for some real investment
in upgrades (needed IMO), or Opera might find a
broader niche.

There would be a rough "let the punishment
fit the crime," aspect, and it would actually
remedy the problems that the judge was asked
to address.

  Jamie


-- 
James Love / Director, Consumer Project on Technology
http://www.cptech.org / love@cptech.org
P.O. Box 19367, Washington, DC 20036
voice 202.387.8030 / fax 202.234.5176