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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