Microsoft - Their response to the break up decision

[Richyrich]

Thought this might be interesting to some people?

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/t...6-09letter.asp

[Eiredrake]

Could someone please explain why the "Law" of this country is performing these actions?

The way I understand it, the Anti-Trust laws were put into place in order to prevent monopolies. That part I understand. But how is forcing Microsoft to reveal their source code going to solve anything? If anything it is ripping off the hard work of the Microsoft employees.

If other companies want access to the Source code for Windows. Then let them pay for it. I can't see Sun Microsystems giving away their OS, or Linux, or MacOS so why Microsoft? Because it's popular? That doesn't make sense to me.

What's next? Is the government going to force me to give up the rights to the programs I've written? How about the poems I've written? Or the pictures I've drawn? Do I still own that picture of the Sun on my Mom's fridge I drew in first grade fingerpainting?

This makes about as much sense as the Witches of Fort Hood having to ask permission in order to practice their religion. Or George W. Bush saying that they shouldn't be able to.

Eiredrake

[jdavison]

In my business studies, microsoft does not violate the monoply definition. But what they are doing is focusing the definition so specifically that they are making it so it seems it is. I do agree that they have performed some preditory practices but the judgement was way overboard what they have done. This seems to me like the government is trying to show that they are the ones in charge and nothing more. What really amazes me is that the clinton administration has hadd a coucil together since 95 that is attempting to make a UN treaty that will cause us to give up our children for the first 5 years of their life to be raised by "professionals". yet we have heard nothing about this. Our fore fathers are probably rolling in their grave with what is going on in this country. The whole meaning of the constition and our laws have been changed from their intent.

[REM]

First off, Eiredrake, I totally agree with what you're saying... I answered a post like this yesterday on this board. For my light hearted opinion on this subject, refer to the passage of text below.

<SARCASM>
Oh... I'm going to set a web site up called VB-Earth. It will contain an excellent Message Board, and many interesting articles and sample projects to download on Visual Basic. BUT, I am not happy! There is a site out there, called VB World, that is doing very well, and is very popular, that is all ready doing what I want to do. I am getting jealous of this site. It is doing better than my site.

I want this site broken up, because it isn't fair. Why should they do so good in business? They only set it all up from the start... They should have to reveal all their marketing info and supply me with all the information on how they set up their site, so i can improve the way that my site works and then subsequently leech of their produce, after they have faded into the dust after being broken up... Making myself more and more money, and making VB World loose all their readers... etc etc
</SARCASM>

I think i made my point.

Laterz

REM

[Eiredrake]

What's this now?

As horrible as that sounds... it might not be a bad idea concidering how many crappy parents there are in this country. Perhaps a better idea would be to require a License for being a parent or a manditory training course or something.

I don't see it happening but it's an idea.


Eiredrake

[jdavison]

I am amazed that anyone could think that would be a good idea. This is one- a direct attack on our rights and Two-a way for the government to control our decision making and belief by forcing a teachings that we don;t believe or accept. Who is anybody to judge what I should teach my children and who am I to decide what I teach yours. Besides what make an person a professional?

It's all jealousy. Microsoft is popular and just like 80% of the population, the governemnt doesn't like it so they want to split MS up. I also think it's really really stupid that they have to reveal the Windows source code. Why should they give up all thier hard work when the other companies don't have to?

I think that us programmes should write a program that will distribute an E-mail to millions of people telling them how stupid the governement is.

[BHostmeyer]

Microsoft's stock is going to take a big hit... Its a great time to invest in the company.. I think Microsoft will soak this up. Instead of 1 Company that rules the world... They will have 2 or 3 Specialty Companies that will make better code then it can now for its pasific programs... Then It will be bigger and stronger.... Then no one will be able to complain... And it will be all there govs fault

[billrogers]

Go for it mega, but make your program have a cool name, like MegaDeath, no wait that one is taken, how about MegaCrippleExhangeServers. Anyone else think of some cool names?

[Paul Warren]

How can the US be the land of the free and yet it's government acts in such a dictatorial manner ? The only problem with Microsoft is that they are sooo successful and that hurts the other greedy power lovers in the US. Think about it - why else would you want to become a polititian or a judge except for the power over other people ? I'm sure some of them are worthy people but most are just leeches. Microsoft should do what the rumours suggest they're thinking of and get out of the US - any other country would be more than happy to accommodate such a successful, innovative company.