Taipei Times: Editorial: Respect for IPR Key to New Economy

"But will the computer world really come to a halt without Microsoft? There are many other companies providing similar products. People in Taiwan are not alone in wanting non-Microsoft options, as seen in the growing boycott of the Windows operating system in favor of the open-code Linux system. To replace Microsoft Office, Sun Microsystems will soon roll out a Chinese-language version of its SunOffice software, while IBM also has the Lotus software. As for Web browsers, Netscape functions just as well as Microsoft's Explorer.

"Microsoft's monopolistic tactics made Bill Gates the world's richest man, but his company's predatory practices are highly controversial. The US government filed and then settled an anti-trust lawsuit against Microsoft, while nine US states have yet to reach a settlement with the company. Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission is also investigating Microsoft's monopoly. The PRC government has refused to buy Microsoft's software, opting instead for Linux products..."

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