MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Daniel Schuh who wrote (23828)	2/17/2000 8:14:00 PM
From: Harvey Allen	Read Replies (1) of 24154

Microsoft Willing to Open Windows Source Code to Settle Suit, Gates Says San Francisco, Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. would be willing to open the source code for its Windows software to competitors in order to settle the antitrust case filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Chairman Bill Gates said. Microsoft is seeking a settlement with the Justice Department and 19 states that have filed an antitrust suit against the software giant and would ``do our absolute best to achieve it,' Gates said in an interview with Bloomberg News. Gates's willingness to discuss opening the source code, which could allow competitors to modify and sell imitations of Windows, comes as Microsoft and the government remain far from settling the antitrust case filed in May 1998. It was the first time Gates has publicly said he would discuss a settlement that included opening the source code. A former antitrust enforcer said Gates's comments could be the basis for further talks. Such a settlement would dilute Microsoft's market power without breaking up the company. ``If Mr. Gates is serious, I think it could be a significant development that would merit further discussions among the parties,' said Stephen Houck, a New York antitrust lawyer who was lead counsel for the 19 states at the Microsoft trial until last October. When Gates was asked today whether Microsoft would consider opening the Windows source code to achieve a settlement of the antitrust case, he said ``Yes.' He made the comment after a televised interview with Bloomberg News, when he said Microsoft wouldn't open its source code simply in order to compete with other open-source products such as Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Solaris software. Gates emphasized that Microsoft's ``closed' code makes it more reliable than open-source software. Gates didn't elaborate on what other conditions, if any, might be acceptable to Microsoft in a settlement. bloomberg.com

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next