Foot in the door; Microsoft says it already has a set-top box. It's called WebTV
Article Abstract:
Microsoft is trying to change the image of its $199 WebTV Plus devices, which were originally marketed as tools for using TVs as monitors to surf the Web. Microsoft now claims that WebTV offers the same interactivity that a cable set-top box does. The move seems to be an effort to allow Microsoft to set the standards for the set-top market, thus allowing the company to take over the market before others can even enter it. To reach a mass TV market, WebTV is partnering with popular shows, including Baywatch. A hyperlink allows users ot the WebTV Plus Internet service to buy swimsuits. Other companies are beginning to enter the market, and WebTV plans to stay ahead with a new version of the software in summer 1998. Microsoft is also licensing the WebTV technology to cable companies, including Tele-Communications.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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Borland suit says Microsoft lured workers
Article Abstract:
Borland International is suing Microsoft, charging Microsoft with illegal recruiting of its programmers, thus thwarting its financial turnaround attempts. The suit claims that since Aug 1994, Microsoft has hired 34 of Borland's employees. Microsoft is denying any wrong doing, stating that Borland's claims have no merit. In the suit, Borland claims that Microsoft began recruiting programmers when Borland released a programming tool to compete with Microsoft's Visual Basic, called Delphi. The key points of the lawsuit deal with the way Microsoft recruited Paul Gross, the former Sr VP of research and developement and the recruitment of Anders Hejlsberg, Delphi's chief architect. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company had not yet seen the compliant and could not comment on the particulars.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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