Justice's Microsoft investigation extends to bundling of navigation software
Article Abstract:
The US Justice Department is investigating under anti-trust laws Microsoft's announced plans to bundle its Internet Explorer World Wide Web access software with its upcoming Windows 95 operating system. The Justice Department's investigation comes on the heals of its ongoing investigation of Microsoft's plans to bundle access to its Microsoft Network online information service with the upcoming operating system. The new investigation covers the company's plans to add its Internet Explorer Web browser to special versions of the operating system called Windows 95 Plus. The bundled Web browser could provide Microsoft with a back-door to the Microsoft Network if the Justice Department successfully blocks its access directly from Windows 95. The Justice Department is concerned that if Microsoft bundles a Web browser with its soon-to-be dominant operating system, it will illegally hinder competition. Small software companies who have developed Web browsers could be placed at an unfair competitive disadvantage.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Undone deal; Microsoft drops bid for Intuit- a victory for Antitrust Agency; already hurt by its rivals, software giant feared delays from litigation; is another round looming?
Article Abstract:
Microsoft decided to drop its planned acquisition of personal finance software developer Intuit because it did not want to be hobbled by a costly and lengthy court battle with the Justice Department's Antitrust division. The Justice Department, which has targeted Microsoft for intense scrutiny, filed a motion in federal court to block the acquisition. Justice contended that the acquisition would give Microsoft complete domination of the personal finance software market. Intuit's Quicken personal finance software controls about 80% of the market. Microsoft planned to use Quicken as a spring board for its planned move into personal finance services such as online banking. Microsoft originally stated that it would aggressively fight Justice's motion, but later decided that it would not be wise to be stuck in litigation for an estimated 12 month period. Microsoft faces other challenges from Justice over its planned Microsoft Network online service.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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