Microsoft tastes defeat in Net monopoly case
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The computer software giant, Microsoft, has lost its landmark case against the US government and has been ordered to change marketing practices that could have given it a virtual monopoly on access to the Internet. In a verdict published late yesterday, a US federal judge ruled that the company must license its Windows 95 software to computer makers without requiring them to take its Internet browser as well.
At a hearing last week, lawyers for the US government had argued that Microsoft had engaged in restrictive practices by refusing to supply Windows 95 to computer companies, unless they also agreed to accept its browser. The market dominance of Windows 95, they contended, left computer makers with no choice but to take the browser as well, cutting rival suppliers of browser software out of the market.
The ruling is a double defeat for Microsoft. It had hoped, if not to win the case, then to have the decision delayed while it collected more technical evidence - a request opposed by the US government on the grounds that it would allow Microsoft's hold on the market to strengthen by default.
Microsoft, whose market dominance has effectively set the standard for computer software worldwide, ia expected to appeal against the judgment.
- Mary Dejevsky, Washington
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments