Judge to Microsoft - Break it up!
Dateline: 06/07/00
District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson has today issued his final judgment in the Microsoft antitrust case. In a surprise to absolutely nobody, Judge Jackson has ordered that software behemoth Microsoft be split into two separate functional units in hopes of preventing future antitrust violations
Under the Jackson's ruling, Microsoft must be split into separate businesses, one over the Windows operating system software and the other over applications programs including Internet software. The ruling calls for the changes to go into effect in 90 days.
Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer reacted to the impending ruling by going to Oslo where he was quoted in a Reuters news service story as stating that a breakup would be "an awful thing for consumers and for the industry," then added, "But we'll be fine either way."
Ballmer is probably right. Microsoft has promised to file appeals that will hang around in the court system for years.
Microsoft per-share stock price had actually increased slightly Wednesday afternoon in spite of the anticipated breakup ruling.
| "Will someone please tell me why the so called government of the people, for the people and by the people, has decided to spend millions of our dollars, breaking up one of the greatest developments in recent history." - COUCHIE2 Jun-9, 2000 -- Read More or Resond? |
In the action originally filed in May of 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice was joined by 19 states in alleging that Microsoft employed monopolistic business practices in using its Windows operating system software to force consumers to also use the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser software.
On April 3, 2000, Judge Jackson issued a 43-page "Conclusions of Law and Final Order " declaring Microsoft had violated Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by using its industry position to "monopolize the web browser market.'' (See: Microsoft Violated Anti-Trust Laws Judge Finds, from your About.com Guide.)
Judge Jackson's entire final decision in the Microsoft Antitrust Case can be read online at:
Final Judgment
in U.S. v. Microsoft
From U.S. Politics Guide John Aravosis.
Reference Links
Previous Decisions in U.S. v. Microsoft
From the U.S. District Court for District of Columbia
Finding of Fact - December 12, 1999
Conclusions of Law and Order - April 32, 2000
"Yesterday, one day ahead of schedule, the company renewed its request that U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson incorporate more than 100 changes to a government breakup proposal if he orders the company divided." -- The Seattle Post Intelligencer - June 7, 2000
Delivering a body blow to billionaire Bill Gates, a federal judge served up a harsh rebuke to Microsoft and ordered the corporation be split into two separate and competing companies. Find out the details of the software giant's precise punishment from US News Guide Clare Saliba.
The reasoning behind Judge Jackson's April 3, 2000 determination that Microsoft was guilty of violating antitrust laws. From your About.com Guide.
The legal basis for the Justice Department's charges against Microsoft and information about the antitrust laws. From your About.com Guide.
Commentary and links regarding the D.O.J. actions against Microsoft from Law Guide Paul S. Reed.
Business Software Guide Steven Gindin examines the implications of the Court's action.
What the Microsoft Antitrust verdict means for Linux. From your Guide to Linux Aron Hsiao.
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