States axe mini-Windows project

The nine states seeking tougher regulation on Microsoft in their antitrust case have abruptly abandoned plans to demonstrate a pared-down version of Windows.

The lawyer representing the states said the demonstration had been abandoned in an attempt to avoid prolonging the case after the software giant asked for an indefinite period to investigate the proposal.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly was disappointed and angry that the legal team representing the nine states had introduced the proposal at such a late stage in proceedings.

Kollar-Kotelly is reported as saying: "This is absolutely astounding... I cannot tell you I am happy about the way this has been done."

The states had presented computer consultant James Bach as a witness to prove that modular Windows was feasible. Bach provided Microsoft with 10 versions of the program and 67 CDs of documentation - which prompted the company to demand the indefinite review period.

However, computer science professor John Bennett yesterday testified that a modular version of Windows was "technically infeasible" and would increase the overall cost of developing and supporting the operating system.

The nine states want Microsoft to unbundle applications such as the browser and the media player from the core operating system to allow other application vendors to compete on a level playing field.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is facing tougher than expected sanctions in Europe, which could include the separation of its Media Player software and the opening up of the technical specifications of its server software to competitors.