Microsoft crippled by its antitrust past

“Where Microsoft has lost market share (as in Web browsers and
mobile), the competition hasn’t relied on consent decrees and the
like to win. Firefox wins because of its community development and
distribution. Apple’s iPhone and Google Android are trouncing
Windows Mobile because they significantly change the rules of
engagement for mobile while providing a better experience.

“Government, in other words, probably solved little. But what it
did was create a culture of caution within Microsoft that
stultifies its ability and desire to compete. (We should note that
just today, the European Commission formally ended its
browser-focused antitrust pursuit of Microsoft, following
concessions by Redmond.)

“Microsoft’s competitors, like Google, thrive in the wake of
this fear, uncertainty, and doubt that plagues Microsoft.
Ironically, competitors like Google do many of the same things that
got Microsoft into hot water with the U.S. Justice Department.”

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