Thi is the COMPAQ-relevant excerpt from a WSJ story on the Microsft trial:
"In addition, he said H-P was angered when Compaq Computer Corp. was allowed to insert similar programs of its own into the Windows boot-up process. He said Microsoft executives told him Compaq's actions were covered by an earlier licensing agreement that was soon expiring.
A spokeswoman for H-P said Thursday the company had no additional comment on Mr. Romano's testimony.
Depositions from Compaq executives showed even the No. 1 PC maker thought it had to tread lightly in its dealings with Microsoft. In one case, a Compaq executive says it decided to use Microsoft software applications that cost more than competing products from Lotus Development Corp., in part to "preserve the integrity of our relationship with Microsoft."
At other points, however, the Compaq executives side with Microsoft's view of some disputed events in the trial. For example, Stephen Decker, the computer maker's director of software procurement, said Compaq decided to stop using Apple Computer Inc.'s QuickTime multimedia software because Apple started to charge for the product, not because of any fears of Microsoft retaliation, as the government and Apple have alleged." |
