U.S. judge orders Microsoft to turn over operating system code
Article Abstract:
Microsoft has been ordered by US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson to relinquish a copy of the source code for its Windows 95 and Windows 98 OSes to the Justice Department. Jackson also forced Microsoft to make its chairman, William H. Gates, and 16 other executives available for unlimited pretrail depositions beginning Aug 12, 1998. Microsoft objected strongly to Jackson's ruling on behalf of the Government prior to the antitrust trial scheduled to begin on Sep 8, 1998. The company had sought to shorten Gates's testimony to eight hours and present seven other executives for interviews. Another Microsoft condition would have made it difficult for outside experts to analyze the source code on behalf of the Government. The Justice Department contends the source code will help it demonstrate that Microsoft is improperly bundling its Internet Explorer Web browser with Windows to injure Netscape, its primary Web browser rival.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Antitrust talks with Microsoft are called off; U.S. and states ready to file suits Monday
Article Abstract:
Antitrust negotiations between Microsoft and Justice Department and state Attorneys General reached an impasse, apparently after Microsoft Chmn William H. Gates instructed attorneys to retract earlier concessions. Both the Justice Department and 20 state Attorneys General said they plan to file suits against Microsoft on May 18, 1998. The states involved could withhold their action if Microsoft extended important new concessions before the deadline, according to a senior representative of the state Attorneys General, while the Justice Department does not anticipate resuming discussions. Microsoft, which claimed the Government's illegal position would have compromised its innovation, said it would begin shipping its Windows 98 OS to computer manufacturers on May 18, 1998.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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