Here's an excerpt from post on G&K thread, I think it was DOW news service:
However, he added, an appeals court could find the
judge's tone extreme, helping Microsoft get the
decision overturned.
Meanwhile, reaction from Capitol Hill was largely
negative as some lawmakers warned the ruling would
have a chilling effect on technological innovation.
House Commerce Committee Chairman Thomas Bliley
(R., Va.) reacted with concern to Judge Jackson's
findings of fact, saying he is "troubled" the ruling may
signal the high-tech industry is open to regulation from
the courts.
"The high-tech industry is responsible for producing
30% of our economic growth," the congressman said,
declaring that the industry should not be burdened by
excessive government regulation.
"That would be a disaster for our economy and millions
of working Americans," Rep. Bliley said.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reacting to the
judge's findings of act in the Microsoft, said, "No
high-tech company should cheer these findings --
because they could easily become the next target of
the government's mad rush to regulate our most
promising industry.
"Once again we are seeing the unlimited arsenal of
government used against a successful company," the
business group said.
"Every high-tech executive in America should be asking,
'Am I next?" the Chamber said.
Predictably, Microsoft's rivals gloated, while the
company's supporters stressed that the decision is
only a first step in deciding the case and investors
pounded the company's stock in after-hours trading.
"Hallelujah. If we could jump any higher right now, we
would," said Ransom Love, president and chief
executive of Caldera Inc., a Utah-based software
maker that's suing Microsoft in a separate case
charging predatory practices.
Paul Rothstein, a Georgetown University law professor
and a consultant to Microsoft, said the decision was an
"unwarranted extension of the antitrust laws," adding
that it is too soon to say Microsoft has lost the case.
Investors reacted to the ruling by selling off
Microsoft's shares. Although the news came after the
regular close of U.S. markets, Microsoft stock plunged
about 3% in after-hours trading.
But, said Russell, the Edward Jones analyst, "As a
shareholder of Microsoft, I would not panic and sell
the stock. The business is still very solid."
In Microsoft's hometown, Redmond, Wash., local
supporters quickly rallied to Microsoft's defense.
"We strongly disagree with the judge's findings," said
Washington Gov. Gary Locke. "Microsoft products have
greatly benefited consumers!" |
