South Korea fines Microsoft $32 million

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Its War

I agree this is pretty serious stuff. But is it new stuff? Microsoft management is on the hook for demonstrating that the corporate culture (a culture Judge Jackson correctly called criminal) is being changed. What indications Judge KK sees of a decriminalization process at Microsoft are a mystery to those of us in the industry but there must be at least some plausable argument being so given to her.

Real Networks acceptance of an offer that could not be refused is troubling not only to IT folks but also the common American business man who still holds the hope that his company can grow legally to the size of a Microsoft if the products and services are superior and the company is managed appropriately.

Note: Real Networks should no longer be portrayed as a Microsoft competitor. That description was always a tenuous one given that the founder of Real Networks was a prior Microsofty.

But today, the connection of Real Networks to Maria Cantwell, former executive at Real Networks and now US Senetor from Washington State, puts the US in a very awkward position regarding Korea. This dicision against Microsoft is like a declaration of war almost.

For the good of the US, Microsoft should yeild immedately, appologize and pay the paltry fine. This game is not one worth playing.

On a positive note: Microsoft has allowed the astroturfers to indicate that Microsoft will not be acquiring AOL - home of prior compatant Netscape. The appearance of a free market, even if reality is otherwize, has been maintained.

If we in the IT industry can keep the preasure on, the new decriminalized and smaller Microsoft, may just be worth saving. But right now, today even, the only demonstration of this worth, a demonstration of true culture change is Ballmer's resignation. Let him do so for the good of Microsoft and the United States. Its out of hand. Its the edge of war.

Posted by: mighetto   Posted on: 12/07/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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