Microsoft settles....

I just read on ZDNet.com that Microsoft settled with the DOJ. Well the settlement still has to be approved. <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,5099144,00.html?chkpt=zdnnp1tp02" target="_blank">Here's the story.</a>

What are your thoughts on this? If this were usual I wouldn't mind, but why was MS given the option to settle after they were convicted? Maybe there is something different in antitrust cases that I don't know about. I really don't think the settlement will make any difference though.

These articles on ZDNet about MS are so predictable...the talkback says something to the effect of:

"M$ SUCKS, i'm going to chuck all my software and use linux"

Another good thing is that none of them will be voting Republican :D :D :D

It was a good decision...this was something needed:

[quote] Microsoft also is prohibited from engaging in exclusive contracts that would prohibit software developers or PC makers from using competing products. <hr></blockquote>

So I think justice was served.

The reality is that M$ will continue bundling IE with Windows and I think they have a right to do so. You can't say that it is anti-competitive because nothing has prevented Netscape, AOL or Sun from developing their own consumer-grade or business grade operating systems over the years.

Although I am not a big fan of M$ software in general, I do believe that the concept of integrating the internet browser with the OS would have come about naturally even is M$ did not think of it. I mean, who buys a PC nowadays without intending the access the Internet or an Intranet of some sort? Answer: NOBODY.

Netscape and AOL are just stuck in a time warp back in 1995 where they think they have a right to slap handcuffs on M$ simply because they are the sole competition for M$ in some areas. They know that they would not be able to compete otherwise.

[quote]Originally posted by JungleMan:
<strong>These articles on ZDNet about MS are so predictable...the talkback says something to the effect of:

"M$ SUCKS, i'm going to chuck all my software and use linux"
</strong><hr></blockquote>

LOL, yeah, if I need a good laugh, just find the most controversial story on ZDNET and read some of the rants. Yes, people out there really are this ignorant.

[quote]Originally posted by JungleMan:
<strong>
It was a good decision...this was something needed

So I think justice was served.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I disagree. While some may be "glad it's over" it's really not over.

Listening to the news on the radio this morning, the reporters said the problem with the settlement is that it doesn't protect competition in the future. The primary point of this entire mess was to bring justice to the people that were wronged, not punish the guilty party.

The settlement basically sweeps all the past wrongs under the carpet, with no provisions to make sure it doesn't happen again. Do we really need another MS antitrust trial?