I still think that the bottom line is that the DOJ will have no choice in the end. Due to the speed of technology, the blurring of lines between Aps and OS, and the speed at which MSFT is moving into every data transfer system, including TV, both broadcast and cable, that they will attempt a break up. They don't want to regulate this, and are hopefully smart enough not to try. Their only concern will become does MSFT inhibit competition. The rest is irrelevent to them.
Take the article about Gateway. That article effectively says "MSFT Gives Gateway Permission to Install Other Options." In other words, it indicates that prior to this, Gateway had no choice. It supports the DOJ, and more importantly, the state's AGs' case, that MSFT inhibits competition. Now I don't like it, but when they start to investigate how to stop this, it will quickly be discovered that there is no way, the lines are to blurred. And I imagine there will be some concern about MSFT's recent movements in NBC and TCI. It's very conviluted, and when things get this way, they will take the easy way out, which is a break up. At least, they will try. Good chance they may not win.
Of course, the DOJ and MSFT will probably settle, which would be good for all.
But what to I know. I like Macs with MSFT Office and Netscape, to me the ideal combination for my purposes. |
