Microsoft moves to control the PC screen
Article Abstract:
Microsoft is renegotiating licensing agreements that force PC makers to put an initial Microsoft screen on every product that employs Microsoft's Windows operating system. Microsoft rivals such as Netscape have voiced renewed complaints regarding antitrust issues. The initial screen in question resembles a television screen that uses 'channels' to obtain information such as news, sports, entertainment programming, and weather. Since 90% of all PCs operate on Microsoft systems, Microsoft is in a prime position to guide millions of users into the premier positions reserved for its own content. The new licensing agreements have been added into renewed contracts and cover both Windows as well as Microsoft's pending 'active desktop' promised in 1997. Although the Justice Department has been provided with copies of the new licensing agreements by rivals of Microsoft for review, Microsoft remains optimistic about the legality of its new contracts.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Microsoft's problem is what many firms just wish they had; the biggest software maker accumulates cash faster than it can spend it
Article Abstract:
Microsoft's continued success has put the company in the enviable position of acquiring more cash than it can spend. After the fiscal 2nd qtr ended Dec 31, 1996, Microsoft had $9 billion in cash holdings and short-term investments, nearly double the amount it had in mid-1995. Analysts note that low yields on the cash holdings, which comprise 70% of Microsoft's total assets, could affect the company's overall performance and its stock price. Microsoft's low manufacturing prices will not absorb the cash holdings. The company is unlikely to make any major acquisitions within the software industry because of anticipated negative rulings by the Justice Department. Some analysts believe, however, that Microsoft is poised to enter the publishing and entertainment market through acquisitions. Although Microsoft recently issued convertible preferred shares, it is not expected to issue a dividend on common stock.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Microsoft takes big step in strategy of PC programs for server terminals
Article Abstract:
Microsoft's chmn Bill Gates is changing the company's strategy in the PC industry with the introduction of Windows terminals, as an option to the network computer products being offered by Sun Microsystem and Oracle. The company is licensing technology that will allow users to run most PC programs when their terminals are hooked to a server running on the Windows NT operating system. Microsoft will license the technology from Prologue and Citrix Systems and add it to NT 4.0, its current operating system, and build it into NT 5.0. Citrix's stock has reflected Microsoft's interest, dropping when Microsoft considered developing the technology on its own, then rising again when rumors circulated that Microsoft would license the technology.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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