I'm new on this thread, so if I cover some ground already discussed, please forgive me.
My opinion of the Microsoft monopoly issue is fairly simple. They have the power to destroy any competition that may arise. For instance, if they continue to claim "customer value," than why don't they just install Word and Excel in the operating system, charge about 200 dollars more, and make the computer manufacturers comply in bundleing it all up. It could be argued that they would lose money this way, but the truth of the matter is that that would be suicidal. They DOJ would than simply break them up. Interestingly, if they did Bill Gates would probably double if not triple his net worth. Study what happened to Rockefeller and Standard Oil. There are a ton of similarities between he and Gates. But thats besides the point.
The bottom line is that they have the power to do so, and hence could be considered just too powerful. I am a free trader by nature, but at some point a company starts to worry about self preservation over consumer value. For instance, if Suns's JAVA really posses a threat, which I guess it does, than Microsoft will do everything it can to stop it, regardless of whether its better or not. So I am torn between supporting the DOJ and my natural free market beliefs. But one things for sure. Sun is dirt cheap at these levels regardless of their law suit for the long term investor.
OK, I'm ready for the contrary opinions. Just keep them clean and profesional unlike the Cube thread. |
