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Technology Stocks : MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator
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To: Bearded One who wrote (21835)11/30/1998 10:44:00 PM
From: Gerald R. Lampton  Read Replies (3) of 24154
 
Monday, November 30, 1998

DOJ Expert Admits Consumers Want Integration
FORM TYPE: LEGAL
ISSUER: FEDERAL FILINGS BUSINESS NEWS
SYMBOL: X.FFI
WASHINGTON (FFBN) -- The antitrust trial against Microsoft
Corp. (MSFT) eased back into action this morning after a four-day
Thanksgiving break with the continuing testimony of government expect
Frederick Warren-Boulton.
Microsoft attorney Michael Lacovara asked Warren-Boulton on
cross examination about focus groups conducted by Microsoft that
indicated computer users wanted Web browsing capabilities integrated
with Windows 98.
Warren-Boulton agreed that consumers place a high value on
integrated capabilities and noted that they particularly value close
integration between their browsers and operating systems. This seems to
support a long-standing Microsoft contention that it integrated its
browser into its Windows operating system to benefit consumers, not to
hurt its browser rival, Netscape Communications Corp. (NSCP).
Lacovara next moved to the question of what original equipment
manufacturers are permitted to place on their computers under
Microsoft's OPK (OEM preinstallation kit). The OPK sets out conditions
for Windows 98 installation.
Since the introduction of Windows 98, OEMs have been permitted
to put Netscape's Web browser in the start menu, according to Lacovara.
Warren-Boulton noted that in June, Microsoft significantly relaxed some
of its restrictions.
Lacovara presented two screen shots that purported to
demonstrate placement by OEMs of Netscape's browser in the start menu.
The Justice Department unsuccessfully objected to introduction of the
first exhibit and asked the court for additional time to review the
second one. U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson will take up
the question of whether to admit the second exhibit when court
reconvenes this morning.
Patti Dennis, Esq.
Legal Editor

====================

I think the bolded point is an important concession.
Of course, DOJ will argue that the real issue is choice, so that those who want integration can have it and those who don't, won't.
I imagine the response will be something along the lines of, "It costs too much and is too inefficient to offer and support different versions of the same software."
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