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Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (32627)	11/7/1999 1:50:00 PM
From: AMF	Respond to of 74651

WASHINGTON (AP) - Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said in a letter published Sunday that the software maker is committed to "a fair and responsible" resolution of its antitrust trial. Meanwhile, the Justice Department's top antitrust enforcer said on ABC's "This Week" that the government is "looking at a full range of remedies" to find the appropriate punishment, following a judge's finding that Microsoft has misused its monopoly powers. Still, Assistant Attorney General Joel Klein, on "Fox News Sunday," also said that "obviously settlement is always an option." He refused to discuss specifics. "We would need a settlement that deals with the very findings that the court made in this case, a settlement that produces consumer choice, innovation and competition in the market," Klein said. Gates, in a full-page advertisement published in the Washington Post and addressed to the company's customers, partners and shareholders, commented on Friday's ruling by U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. Jackson, in the first phase of the case, found that Microsoft used its overwhelming dominance of the computer software marketplace. The judge did not identify which U.S. antitrust laws Microsoft might have violated or suggest how the company should be punished. A separate punishment hearing would be held next year, if necessary, after Jackson issues his final ruling. "As this case moves toward resolution, Microsoft's 30,000 employees are focused on creating the next generation of products that will deliver the benefits of the Information Age -- anytime, anywhere and on any device," Gates wrote. "Microsoft is committed to resolving this matter in a fair and responsible manner," he wrote, "while ensuring that the fundamental principles of consumer benefit and innovation are protected." The letter was similar to the statement Gates issued Friday after Jackson's decision was announced. The letter was sent Friday, according to the company's Web site.

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (32627)	11/7/1999 1:51:00 PM
From: taxman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 74651

Washington, Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Justice Department is considering a breakup of Microsoft Corp. as part of a range of possible remedies in the antitrust case against the world's largest software company, Assistant Attorney General Joel I. Klein said. ``That is in the range, but we're looking at a lot of remedies,' Klein said on ABC's ``This Week.' Klein's comments came two days after U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson said Microsoft ``stifled innovation' by abusing its monopoly over personal computer operating systems. Jackson stopped short of saying Microsoft violated U.S. antitrust laws, although his factual findings suggest he likely will make that conclusion early next year. The judge then will decide what remedies to impose on Microsoft. Antitrust lawyers have speculated that the Justice Department also might ask Jackson to force Microsoft to license its Windows operating system or bar business practices such as exclusive agreements with computer makers and Internet service providers. Microsoft has said it remains confident in its case. ``This is one step in a process that we need to play out,' Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Robert Herbold said on ``Fox News Sunday.' ¸1999 Bloomberg L.P. regards