Microsoft Antitrust
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Ending nearly a decade-long investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, a federal judge recently stated in harsh words that without doubt Microsoft’s business and its business practices represent a monopoly, “The Microsoft of Judge Jackson’s narrative is a deep-pocketed bully that uses ‘its prodigious market power and immense profits to harm’ companies that presume to compete with it. And it presents Gates as a law-flouting monopolist who makes a ‘threat’ to one rival considering getting into the software market and ‘berates’ and then ‘retaliates’ against an executive from another company who dares to criticize Windows” (Cohen 1). This analysis will explore two essential elements regarding the legal problems of Microsoft, both of which have proponents and opponents. The first is whether or not by practice and in nature, Microsoft represents a monopoly, and the second is determining whether labeling them one and attempting to breakup the organization would be a plus or a minus for consumers.Antitrust suits are brought against companies that are thought to have a monopoly in an industry because “the company has such dominance in its industry that it has the power to dictate prices and limit competition” (Shiver and Helm 6). The Justice Department has been investigating the business practices of Microsoft and CEO Bill Gates since 1993, after the Federal Trade Commission had secretly investigated alleged allegation of collusion betw
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itors, since it would be fruitless to try to compete against Microsoft when new products are developed. Yet, many experts in the technology industry claim that Microsoft’s business practices are more those of a fierce competitor always running scared in light of the fact that new technological developments could replace their product virtually overnight. Further, many argue that Microsoft’s actions have done anything but produce the results of a monopoly-i.e., high prices and limited competition. The debate is two-sided. On one side there are those that feel Microsoft has done everything a successful company should do in a capitalist society to stifle competition, reduce risk and increase products. Those opposing this view feel Microsoft could not have achieved its virtual dominance of the market and enormous profits without resorting to unfair business practices. Critics argue that Microsoft has used its monopoly on its computer operating system (Windows) to force manufacturers and competitors to also use its Internet browser software, which it has bundled in with its Windows operating system for free. Microsoft says the browser is an integral component of operating system software. Its main Internet browser competitor, Ne
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Explorer Windows, Microsofts Microsoft, Microsystems Java, Netscape Shiver, Internet Explorer, Internet Browser, Windows Cohen, Netscapes Navigator, Windows Netscape, Apples Macintosh, operating system, business practices, technology industry, windows 98, microsofts business, windows operating system, windows operating, bill gates, justice department, internet explorer, pc makers, windows 95 windows, sign consent decree, unfair business practices, web browser windows,
Approximate Word count = 2000
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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