A breakup of the company would benefit the IT economy
GST - assuming Microsoft is indeed guilty of violating anti-trust laws (I know, I know, the judge has already ruled they are guilty - but as previously stated, I'm waiting for the appeal to make the judgement in my own mind), do you think breaking up the company will really accomplish anything - other than inflicting punishment?
For example - let's suppose that before this whole thing happened (if we go back to say, 1994), that Microsoft was two completely separate companies - let's call one Micro OS and the other Micro App. Micro OS produces 1 product - Microsoft Windows. While Micro App produces all the other products that we know of as coming from Microsoft today. So what would have prevented Micro OS from developing and implementing browser technology in the operating system - and in doing so, driving Netscape out of business (or at least driving them to a state where they had to be bought by someone else)?
So, if Microsoft is broken up, and in the future, there is a company named Micro OS, that produces only one product, Windows - what will prevent Micro OS from incorporating future new technologies into the operating system, and in doing so, possibly drive future companies out of business? There is only one thing that can possibly prevent such a thing from occurring: strict government regulation of Micro OS.
I have trouble seeing how government regulation of production of the world's most popular desktop operating system could be good for IT. No, I would see government regulation as resulting in:
1. poorer quality products
2. a substantial increase in time required for innovation
3. higher prices
4. a nightmare
Perhaps, you see things differently. If so, enlighten us.
Thanks,
-Eric |
