Are you against a breakup? If so, why?
GST - I haven't reviewed all the details of the case - nor have I done a review of past anti-trust cases in order to review company break-up precedents.
I replied to your post with a question, because it almost appeared as though you were in favor of a break-up, not because of any legal argument or precedent, but because of other reasons (upon which I can only speculate). Correct me if I am wrong.
I don't mean to dodge your question - but I'm in favor of justice being served. If the DOJ recommends and the judge rules that Microsoft should be broken up, then I would obviously be very interested in reading the reasoning of the judge. But for me to say that I feel the company should or should not be broken up would be to presuppose that I have knowledge and experience in remedies imposed for anti-trust violations of the kind of which Microsoft has been ruled in violation.
Do I have a gut feel that tells me that Microsoft is being unfairly treated by the government - or that the company is getting its just desserts? In truth, I have mixed feelings on the issue. As you probably know (I've posted it here many times in the past), I used to work for Microsoft - in the Applications Group (I worked on Excel 4, 5 and 95, and Office 4, 95 and 97 - in marketing). I have a lot of friends that still work for Microsoft - and I have a lot of friends who are former Microsoft employees - most of which still own Microsoft stock (I don't own any MSFT as I type). It comes down to a question of whether I feel what Microsoft did was "wrong" - or just "very competitive". It's a difficult question to answer (at least, for me - for others, it is easy). And if one decides that what Microsoft did is wrong, then is the appropriate remedy to break-up the company?
So, in answer to your question, I would have to say that I am undecided.
Do I think Microsoft is a "bad" company? No, I don't. In fact, I think the company has done much to help bring the benefits of computers to many people's lives around the world. To the best of my knowledge, a Microsoft product has never harmed or killed a human being (something that can't be said of tobacco, alcohol, fire arm or automobile companies). Do I think Bill Gates is evil? No, I don't. Is he a ruthless competitor? Yes, at times. Is he philanthropic? Certainly. Does he take responsibility for and attempt to make good use of the wealth he has attained? He appears to - to a much greater degree than many wealthy people that have much less wealth than he (in my view).
Anyway, long answer - but the question you pose is not simple. I'm undecided - but I'm likely to form an opinion as the events unfold.
Why are you in favor of a break-up of Microsoft?
-Eric |
