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Technology Stocks : MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: John Donahoe who wrote (16707)	1/25/1998 4:04:00 PM
From: Daniel Schuh	Respond to of 24154

PC Makers Aren't Switching From Microsoft to Netscape nytimes.com Here's your explanation John, not that it particularly pays to explain anything to you. Analysts said the industry intransigence was a sign Microsoft's power and influence in the computer market has scarcely waned despite its concession in the government's antitrust case. . . . But PC makers declined to comment on what several industry experts cited as a more significant reason: Few are willing to openly offend Microsoft, whose reputation for tough business tactics prompted the government lawsuit in the first place and has forced Netscape to lick its wounds in the browser battle by giving away its flagship software product. "There is absolutely no question that Microsoft has enormous power, that if you are in the computer business you are better off being a friend of (Microsoft's chairman, Bill Gates)," said Jonathan Jacobson, an antitrust lawyer in the New York office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. "Those people who have the temerity to support Netscape aggressively are at risk," Jacobson said. At risk of what? Well, you could ask the Compaq guys, who were the first to face the wrath of Bill and the threat of having their Windows license pulled, for hiding the sacred icon. But of course you don't believe that story do you John? The playing field is far from level, but the antitrust battle is far from over too. Microsoft decided to (slightly) raise a finger other than the middle one to avoid a contempt citation. Now they'll try to spin it out as a victory, just like the latest EU/ISP thing was just a routine renegotiation as contracts came up. Microsoft still has a gun to the OEMs head. As far as I can see, the coverage of how exactly that gun works is about the only significant thing to come out of the antitrust effort so far. Cheers, Dan.

To: John Donahoe who wrote (16707)	1/25/1998 4:45:00 PM
From: Pink Minion	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 24154

MSFT has capitulated and has agreed not to require OEM's to include the IE Icon as part of any licensing agreement which is what the DOJ and Netscape warriors wanted. Now that the playing field is level you still complain that MSFT has a gun to the OEMs head. Please explain. MSFT has capitulated? They agreed to remove one friggin file C:\Windows\Desktop\IE.icon - BFD. I would say you guys won. Especially since the idiot DOJ think they also won. Maybe they're playing dumb. They require it by providing OS upgrades on it. Try installing some software that doesn't require IE loaded. I'm sure in your world the playing field is fair, but I also think your universe thought it was a coincidence of Netscape's announcement on the same day as the agreement. Cutting back on Java development probably isn't significant either. I don't understand why Dan bothers argueing with your portfolio. Please explain. Mr. B