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Story URL: http://hardware.silicon.com/desktops/0,39024645,11013920,00.htm

Silicon viewers stick with Microsoft

By Suzanna Kerridge

Published: Thursday 11 November 1999

Silicon.com viewers will remain loyal to Microsoft despite the unfavourable initial findings released by Judge Jackson in the ongoing anti-trust case.

But it is not the superiority of the Microsoft products that will keep customers loyal. Instead, IT professionals claimed their businesses are already locked into Windows and there are few alternatives. As one viewer said: "If I could, I would, but I can't."

One viewer dubbed the case "just another soap opera", which won't affect Microsoft's position in the market. In his opinion "the browser is almost a trend of standard requirement for PC users".

Possible sanctions imposed by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) prompted a mixed response. Viewers were split between imposing a penalty such as unbundling the browser and not punishing the company on account of its success.

One viewer said: "What I find a little perplexing is how the US government can prosecute the best example of the American Dream that has ever existed. Perhaps the USA should be referred to as the Land of Opportunity - providing you are not too successful."

However, another user insisted that unbundling the browser was not enough punishment. He claimed: "This would amount to just a slap on the wrist. In addition, what really needs to be done is to prohibit Microsoft from acquiring any existing or future company, technology, or resources for the next three years."

However, according to Frank Coyle, IT Director at retailer John Menzies, the natural evolution of the IT industry will eventually dilute Microsoft's power.

Coyle stated: "The Microsoft decision will have no affect whatsoever on our strategy. If you think back, Microsoft obtained their chance in life by the very same anti-trust laws that prevented IBM from dominating the way they had in the past. So what we're expecting is some innovation from companies we have not yet heard of."