Netscape widens Microsoft antitrust allegations
Article Abstract:
Netscape has released the details of a letter it sent to the Justice Department on Aug 12, 1996, accusing Microsoft of improper dealings in persuading PC makers and Internet service providers (ISP) to use its Web software. Netscape is asking for an investigation of Microsoft's Web marketing practices in order to see if they violate the antitrust settlement the company reached with the government in 1994. The two companies are engaged in competition for the Web browser market, which is currently dominated by Netscape. Microsoft has reportedly given discounts on its Windows 95 operating system to companies that give preferential treatment to Microsoft's products. The company has formed agreements with several ISPs, and reportedly provides them with free software and hardware as well as free advertising. Some international companies have reportedly been offered marketing funds of up to $400,000 if they agree to market Microsoft products exclusively.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Microsoft agrees to free software rival from paying royalties on Unix system
Article Abstract:
Microsoft is waiving disputed contract provisions with software manufacturer and rival Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) regarding royalties in SCO's Unix OS. Terms of their 1987 deal required SCO to package Microsoft code in its future Unix OSes and pay royalties regardless of whether it used that code. SCO says it must pay Microsoft about $15 per copy. SCO also said its loss for the 1997 fiscal yr ended Sep 30, 1997, included about $4 million in royalty payments to Microsoft. The European Commission, which in May 1997 said the contract terms violated European competition laws, is expected to announce the development today. SCO privately complained about the contract to the EC in Jan 1997, and the matter shows that US companies have recourse against domestic rivals by appealing to the European regulatory structure. Microsoft claimed it agreed to the deal after finding an approach to maintain intellectual property rights.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Microsoft scraps plans for tool to use on-line
Article Abstract:
Microsoft will discontinue development of its programming tool for the Microsoft Network (MSN) online service, concentrating instead on programming utilities that are applicable across the entire World Wide Web. The discontinuation of the proprietary programming tool, code named Blackbird, will negatively impact the many independent developers that have invested significant resources into providing Blackbird-based content for MSN. Microsoft will redouble the development resources assigned to its Web-based version of the programming tool, named Internet Studio, in the hopes of bringing it to market more quickly. Analysts suggest that fierce competition from rival Netscape Communications is responsible for Microsoft's desire to contribute to the creation of technological standards for the Internet.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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