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SJ Mercury: Best be very wary of Microsoft bearing settlement offer

Thanks to Thomas
Pfau
for this link.

This article offers some advice to the attorneys in the
Microsoft anti-trust case.

“I still can’t fathom the reasons for the antitrust division’s
folderol in 1994 (the consent decree went into effect in 1995), a
deal that was the equivalent of a wet kiss. It was so ineffectual
that Microsoft, in a typical burst of arrogance, bragged aloud that
it would have no impact on business practices. It’s no coincidence
that everything important in a PC is more powerful and costs less
today than it did four years ago — except Microsoft’s
software.”

“Last year, as the Justice Department and its allies in state
governments were preparing to file the current action, Microsoft
pleaded for a postponement to hold settlement talks. The company
wanted to discuss alternatives. But when the parties got to the
meat of the issues, the government correctly concluded it was being
messed with. Again.”


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