Microsoft's settlement talks hinge on PC makers
Article Abstract:
Microsoft's agreements with computer makers to supply them with operating systems are considered to be at the heart of any settlement negotiated in the Justice Department's antitrust suit. In preparation, the Justice Department is trying to persuade the heads of some computer makers, including Theodore W. Waitt of Gateway, to testify for the government. Microsoft's first move has been to submit a framework document for an agreement offering concessions to computer manufacturers which it has already largely made. The government is expected to seek structural reform of Microsoft involving either break-up of the company or compulsory licensing of the code for the Windows operating system. The middle ground between those extremes could involve an agreement by Microsoft to publish the pricing of its systems and offer discounts to computer makers solely on volume purchased. Microsoft would not be able to offer discounts to makers who agreed to bundle the operating system with other Microsoft applications. Another option would be for Microsoft to publish, without licensing, it's operating system code, placing software applications developers on an equal footing with the giant. Microsoft's incorporation of the Internet Explorer browser into Windows remains a bone of contention.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Ruling backs release of Microsoft trial material
Article Abstract:
The United States Court for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that the entire videotaped deposition of Bill Gates recorded for use in the government's antitrust trial must be released to the public. Portions of the tape have been presented into evidence by both parties to the litigation and have already been broadcast by news organizations. Public access to the deposition became an issue when the Judge presiding over the antirust case, Thomas Penfield Jackson, ruled the deposition open to the public. Microsoft appealed the decision to the appellate court. The ruling is based on a little-used and possibly outdated law, the Publicity in Taking of Evidence Act of 1913, passed during the antitrust litigations of the early part of the century.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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