Microsoft May not be the Villain that RealNetworks Claims
The problem may be different than previously described:
"Glaser Is Back And After Microsoft Again
RealNetworks chief executive Robert Glaser sparked a major controversy last week with his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, claiming a new Microsoft product deliberately broke his own. Glaser claimed the new Windows Media Player -- which is to be bundled on all new Windows 98 systems -- interfered with the ability of RealPlayer to operate properly. The accusations are potentially very serious, suggesting Microsoft is deliberately shutting out competitors through its own products. Independent testing of Windows Media Player and RealPlayer revealed entirely different conclusions: that RealPlayer was responsible for the problems, backing up Microsoft's defense. Glaser refuted those findings today an interview with c|net News, saying Windows Media Player disabled RealPlayer in ten out of sixteen different scenarios, and that Microsoft does not dispute eight of those cases. The problem lies in how RealPlayer edits in entries in the Windows Registry. Testers say that RealPlayer is problematic in that regard, and Windows Media Player does not "see" RealPlayer needing certain files and subsequently replaces them. But Glaser is not stopping there, announcing late yesterday a new "fair practices" initiative tying together some twenty companies cooperating on Internet technologies.
The group, including such industry mainstays as Netscape Communications, Novell, and Sun Microsystems, are working together to keep file formats open and interoperable. Members in the organization must have their software ask user permission before overwriting any software on their system, or becoming the preferred application in any group. This is akin to having the "Browse the Internet" icon on your desktop point to Internet Explorer, but only after asking permission. The companies must also have their software inform users about other products that open formats their products do not. The consortium is taking a direct stab at Microsoft strategy, which has involved creating alternative and noncompatible standards and extending standards with proprietary extensions to force Microsoft control over any one technology. Many smaller companies are concerned over the ability of Microsoft to railroad any one technology, especially in light of their actions with regards to Java. RealNetworks spokespersons confirmed the group was a direct outgrowth of concerns materializing from Glaser's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, but said the goal is to ensure consumer choice. Apple Computer has not joined the group." As posted on Thesasource, 7-31-98
Hal |
