RE: € 500,000,000 fine for Micro$oft.

From: Tom Linden (tom_at_kednos.com)
Date: 03/24/04 

Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 06:50:28 -0800

I think MS is more concerned about restricitons for the future rather
than the amount of this fine. For example, the EU commission has indicated
that it is opposed to the integration of a search engine in the next version
of windows (which I happen to think is a good idea)

  -----Original Message-----
  From: JF Mezei [mailto:jfmezei.spamnot@istop.com]
  Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 5:44 AM
  To: Info-VAX@Mvb.Saic.Com
  Subject: Re: € 500,000,000 fine for Micro$oft.

  The Euro competition comissioner should release the details of
  MS's slap on
  the wrist today.

  I heard upwards of $700,000,000 (US). This may not be pocket
  change for Gates,
  but probably just ATM widthdrawal money.

  However, the real thing here is that Europe is expected to not
  only force MS
  to unbundle software such as media player, but also make
  available certains
  parts of Windows source/api.

  "Making available" means that it becomes worldwide distribution since the
  internet prevents distribution of such materials from being
  limited to a given
  geographical area.

  Of course, Microsoft annoucned it would appeal the ruling even before the
  ruling is to be made, and hopes to delay implementation of
  punishement by many years.

  It will be interesting to see how MS decides to handle the distribution of
  windows if varous countries impose various restrictions.

  I suspect that its gut reaction would be to continue to use its
  monopoly as
  much as possible in countries such as the USA that have refuse
  dto impose real
  restrictions, and generate a different "version" of windows for each other
  country that has varying limitations. This also means that MS
  will be able to
  set whatever price it wants for each separate country since it
  will be able to
  argue they are all separate products.

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