Sign in Subscribe
Internet services

Americans Maintain Favorable Opinion of Microsoft Amidst Lengthy Antitrust Trial

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A majority of Americans, 76% of those polled, believe that Microsoft is contributing to economic growth in the U.S., according to a recent public opinion survey conducted by nationally recognized pollsters Peter D. Hart and Robert M. Teeter. By a similar majority, 73% of Americans believe Microsoft has benefited both U.S. consumers and the computer software industry. The survey, commissioned by Microsoft to assess consumer sentiment on competition in the software industry, was conducted among 1,002 adults nationwide on January 5th-6th.

Key Takeaways:

  • 76% of Americans believe Microsoft is contributing to economic growth in the U.S.
  • 73% of Americans believe Microsoft has benefited both U.S. consumers and the computer software industry.
  • 69% of American consumers maintained their favorable opinion of Microsoft despite the lengthy government trial.
  • 66% of Americans favor the government staying out of the software industry, with 25% opposing.
  • The AOL/Netscape merger is seen as illustrating the competitive nature of the technology industry, with 59% of Americans believing the merger shows the government's case against Microsoft is irrelevant.
  • 72% of respondents use a computer for work or school, while 72% of respondents use a computer at home, work, or school.
  • The majority of Americans (59% to 21%) believe the AOL/Netscape merger demonstrates just how competitive the technology industry is.

Statistics:

  • 76% of Americans believe Microsoft is contributing to economic growth in the U.S.
  • 73% of Americans believe Microsoft has benefited both U.S. consumers and the computer software industry.
  • 69% of American consumers maintained their favorable opinion of Microsoft despite the lengthy government trial.
  • 66% of Americans favor the government staying out of the software industry.
  • 25% oppose the government staying out of the software industry.
  • 59% believe the AOL/Netscape merger shows the government's case against Microsoft is irrelevant.
  • 21% believe the AOL/Netscape merger is relevant to the government's case against Microsoft.
  • 72% of respondents use a computer for work or school.
  • 72% of respondents use a computer at home, work, or school.
  • 1,002 adults were polled in the survey conducted by Hart/Teeter Research.

Sources:

  • Computer Industry Survey Study #5391, conducted by Hart/Teeter Research
  • Interviews: 1,002 adults (49% male, 51% female)
  • Dates: January 5 and 6, 1999

Read more