Microsoft's operating systems are pre-installed on nearly every IBM-compatible computer sold today. By insisting that its operating system, Windows 95, include the Microsoft Internet Explorer, the company has squeezed out its competitors and threatened to destroy Netscape, the current leading vendor of Internet browsing software. The federal government should curb Microsoft's unfair business practices that drive rival producers out of the market because genuine competition is necessary to produce technological improvements. Additionally, the government ought to make sure that Microsoft's actions result in improved technology and customer satisfaction, despite Microsoft executives' arguments that the government should not interfere in their operating systems' design.
The U.S. Justice Department did just that when it charged the software giant with using unfair marketing practices against smaller companies in the Internet browser industry. Although Netscape, a pioneer in Web-related software, has had a considerable edge on the browser software market since the Internet's beginning, Microsoft threatened to ruin Netscape, and all other Web software companies, by incorporating its Internet Explorer browser program in Windows 95. This prompted the government to bring an anti-trust suit against the company in federal district court.
When Microsoft's lawyers insisted the browser was inseparable from the operating system, the judge threatened to find the Redmond, Wash.-based corporation in contempt of court unless it agreed to make alternative software packages available to computer manufacturers. After numerous evasion attempts, such as offering computer manufacturers outdated operating systems or even faulty products, Microsoft has just announced it will offer two viable options. Producers may choose to have the Internet Explorer fully installed with a hidden icon or without certain files critical to the program's operation. With the second option, users would have to retrieve those files from another location. Microsoft has appealed the judge's order, claiming that uniting its Internet Explorer and operating system is an important step to full integration of Internet service and the operating system.
But Microsoft's compliance prompted Netscape to announce it would give its browser away and release the program's source code. The latter of the two actions will allow software companies and computer hobbyists to manufacture compatible products, known as plug-ins, or customize Netscape's software to satisfy special preferences. This result of the government's anti-trust suit against Microsoft will benefit consumers.
Microsoft's effort to install its Internet Explorer in all operating systems, despite the program's adequate technological design, threatened to dominate the Internet browser market. Although Microsoft may plan to integrate the Internet into its operating system, the customer is best served today if the courts continue to curtail Microsoft's unfair practices.
01-26-98
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