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03.28.2007 (previous | next)
Sympathy for Microsoft?

A Cnet story on the EC's continued bullying of Microsoft gets interesting responses:

•The EU has become the mouthpiece for socialist activities. Forget capitalism... Isn?t it funny that IBM, Oracle and others are using this organization as a puppet to further their causes?

•The people imposing the fines haven't said what MS is doing wrong other than being successful… What [Kroes] is saying is that because people prefer your product we are going to fine you.

•I suspect nothing short of open sourcing Windows will make the[m] happy... they maybe doing it to Microsoft now, but that doesn't mean they couldn't do it Intel, Apple, or any other dominate U.S companies. It clear that there are those that will seek to compete by having regulators handicap the completion for them.

•translation: MS continues to be successful, lets keep screwing them… EU can't stand the fact that most of its PC run on an OS made by a US company.

•Is it possible ..That maybe it is just a good product sold at a reasonable price.. This is just another example of another government trying to take down a US company. I guess if you can't compete, legislate.

Despite my disagreement with the EC, Neelie Kroes and others at the commission cannot be called exceptional; regulatory bodies have always tried to make themselves relevant to justify their jobs. However, Kroes and the EC should make sure they don't get so involved in such quagmire that it will be almost impossible for them to get out.

posted by Noel Le @ 3:01 PM | Antitrust

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Comments

Noel:

Two questions:

1. How can you say the above, having (presumably) read Andrew Tridgell's testimony?

2. How much money does PFF get from Microsoft, in 2006?

Posted by: enigma_foundry at March 28, 2007 7:58 PM

Who is Andrew Tridgell?

I don't know the work details between MSFT and PFF. I do know that I may differ with some of my colleagues on MSFT.

If you go to the Cnet article, cross out MSFT and replace it with Google or Apple, I'd be writing the same thing.

Posted by: Noel Le at March 28, 2007 8:08 PM

Google is your friend, Noel. ;-)

http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;2020110397;fp;16;fpid;0

Posted by: Commons Music at March 29, 2007 12:51 PM

Yeah, and Tridgell is a really disinterested observer, isn't he.

Posted by: Koala at March 29, 2007 7:12 PM

Noel:

Your credibility seems to be sinking a bit.

First, you make all kinds statements about how unfair the EU has been to Microsoft.

Then, you demonstrate that, not only are you unfamilar with any of the facts in the case (and Andrew Tridgell's testimony was critical on the interoperability issue, and on Microsoft's efforts to comply with the EU decision) but don't even know who the players are.

In point of fact, it is clear to any disinterested observer who has made the slightest effort to acquainted with the facts, that it is Microsoft who has been playing the political card here, expecting U.S. to flex its diplomatic/financial might to reverse the operation of law.

Anyone who stands for the rule of law should hope to see Microsoft go down in flames. They have been exceedingly arrogant at every turn, and fully deserve a massive fine.

Posted by: enigma_foundry at March 30, 2007 2:00 AM

***Anyone who stands for the rule of law should hope to see Microsoft go down in flames. They have been exceedingly arrogant at every turn, and fully deserve a massive fine.***

And under what standard my dear, besides the EC's game of "hide the ball, now you see it now you don't."

Posted by: Noel Le at March 30, 2007 2:48 AM








 
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