Pirates are circling the good ship Windows 95
Article Abstract:
Stopping software piracy would double the revenue of the industry, according to analysts. Analysts estimate that losses due to pirated software were $15.2 billion in 1994. The interest Microsoft has generated in its Windows 95 operating system has generated an interest in illegal versions of the product. Before its release, final versions of the operating system were already on Internet bulletin boards. In the US, 90% of piracy comes from illegal copying in offices, schools, homes and government agencies. Professional piracy is increasing as well. US buyers usually do not risk buying the counterfeits, since they are typically sold abroad, although some have already crept onto the American market. Counterfeits are more prone to flaws or viruses and offer no technical support. One of the industry's greatest successes was getting an anti-piracy law passed and enforced in Italy, where the government forced businesses to erase copied software.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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Windows 95: retailing truths amid the glitz
Article Abstract:
Sales of Microsoft's Windows 95 as a retail, shrink-wrapped product are slowing, but the operating system sells well when it is preloaded on new computer systems. Companies that gambled that consumers would buy additional hardware and software to support Windows 95 are losing money, although Microsoft profits remain solid. Windows 95 debuted with strong sales in Aug 1995, but by Dec 1995, sales had dropped two-thirds below the August figures. On the other hand, in 4th qtr 1995, analysts estimate that 9.9 million PCs were sold preloaded with Windows 95. Microsoft earns about $65 for each sale of a standalone copy of Windows 95 and about $35 for each copy sold preloaded in a PC. Microsoft's Windows NT is also selling well, and each copy of NT returns three times the revenue of a copy of Windows 95. Analysts estimate that in 1995, Windows 95 sold 16.4 million to 19.9 million copies globally.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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Most approve of Microsoft, a poll shows; but Americans also see monopoly to be policed
Article Abstract:
Microsoft holds a high credibility rating but has become a monopoly that merits governmental scrutiny, according to a New York Times/CBS news telephone poll. The company drew a favorable rating from 55% the 1,126 Americans surveyed between Jun 7-9, 1998, compared to a 15% unfavorable opinion and 30% no opinion. Co-founder and Chmn William H. Gates receives credit for developing Microsoft as a high-technology power, the poll said. The Government has an obligation to verify Microsoft's activity, 60% said, but the Justice Department faces the burden of proof to show that Microsoft broke any laws. The Government's recent suit against Microsoft drew a positive response from 35% of those surveyed, compared to 27% opposition and 38% undecided or unaware. Public opinion does not directly shape antitrust policy but can influence Congress and the scope of Governmental action.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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