MSFT -- Should the DOJ Break it up? Message Board

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Technology Stocks : MSFT -- Should the DOJ Break it up?

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3:59 PM EST

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To: Howard Price who wrote (18)	3/31/1997 9:59:00 AM
From: Mark Finger	of 144

There is a difference--Netscape gave the software away under the "shareware" concept, which is a "try before you buy" concept. There was a stated obligation to pay if you decide to use the software on a regular basis, and all normal copyright protection is still held. In other words, Netscape expected payment from ethical people for what they "gave" away, and considered non-payment for regular use "piracy"--with the difference that they will not be as aggressive at pursuing pirates as some other companies. That is not the same with Microsoft, who expects no additional payment for their browser software. Incidentally, the "shareware" concept has been a significant method of marketing since the early 80's, and several companies used it to launch themselves, long before there was a Netscape.

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