Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : WavePhore (WAVO)- VBI fed WaveTop for WebTV -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: E who wrote (1350)	4/26/1998 1:06:00 PM
From: ayn rand	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 2843

Microsoft: Nothing Can Stop Windows 98 04/24/98; 7:55 p.m. ET By Lisa Picarille, Computer Reseller News Microsoft has settled on June 25 as the formal delivery date for Windows 98, and according to the software giant, it will take "a far more radical step" than a dozen state attorneys general seeking an injunction to stop the release of the new operating system. Responding to reports that 12 state attorneys general are banding together to file an injunction blocking the shipment of Windows 98, Microsoft spokesman Mark Murray said "that is pure speculation." "Knowing everything we know, Windows 98 will be released on time on June 25," said Murray. Last fall, several states combined forces to investigate Microsoft. Murray said currently Microsoft is "working closely with the attorneys general to provide them with all the information they need and answer all their questions. We are optimistic once they've reviewed the facts, they'll agree Microsoft is competing in a fair and legal manner." Murray said there is no "legal basis or consumer benefit to blocking the release of Windows 98, adding "thousands of companies have built their 1998 business plans and made investments around the release of Windows 98." He added, blocking the release "would result in millions of dollars in losses for thousands of companies." Microsoft said its partners -- including PC makers, independent software vendors, solution providers, and resellers -- are encouraged to be heard. "This debate is occurring without the grounding in the reality of the industry," he said "We encourage them (our partners) to make sure that policy makers know what the impact would be on their business if regulators tried to block the release of Windows 98." Microsoft is working overtime to make sure its side of the story gets out to consumers. Friday, the software developers published on its website the second in a series of brief essays. Like the previous essay, part two -- called "The Freedom to Innovate" -- focuses on Microsoft's assertion the company is "standing up for the ability of every American company to continually innovate by integrating new technologies and ideas into its products. " The essay, which also appeared in advertisements in major metropolitan newspapers throughout the United States Friday reads: "Our dispute boils down to a simple principle. We believe companies like Microsoft must be allowed to innovate and improve their products for consumers. We believe government regulation of the software industry will hurt consumers, slow innovation, and undermine one of the healthiest sectors of our economy. We think Americans believe in the free market and consumer choice." The essay goes on to say Microsoft has "worked hard to improve the PC operating system by integrating new features that have made the personal computer more powerful and easier to use." Readers are then asked, "Giving customers what they ask for -- isn't that the way the free market is supposed to work?" Earlier this week, Microsoft and the Department of Justice, which is still pondering a broader Sherman Anti-Trust case against Microsoft, faced off in the district of Columbia Court of Appeals to argue about a preliminary injunction issued last December. That injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, prohibited Microsoft from making original equipment manufacturers bundle Windows 95 with Internet Explorer. Tuesday's 90-minute hearing focused primarily on whether proper legal procedures were used in issuing the injunction. The three-judge panel gave no indication of when it plans to return a verdict. techweb.com