Microsoft Antitrust Trial Shifts into High Gear

Strategic Insights -

The government's case against Microsoft will take center stage this week, with Java creator James Gosling set to testify about Microsoft's alleged misuse of the programming language. The case revolves around Microsoft's purported attempt to "break" Java by creating a Windows-only version, in direct contradiction to Sun's intended universal standard. Gosling's testimony, expected to span 30 pages, will be followed by intense cross-examination by Microsoft's lawyers, with the government contending that Microsoft's actions threatened Sun's competitive efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government's case centers on Microsoft's alleged misuse of the Java programming language, specifically the creation of a Windows-only version in direct opposition to Sun's universal standard.
  • Java creator James Gosling is set to testify about Microsoft's actions, with his direct testimony expected to span 30 pages.
  • Microsoft's purported misuse of Java is seen as a threat to Sun's competitive efforts, with the government contending that Microsoft sought to "break" the language for its own gain.
  • Microsoft has been accused of trying to change the subject, with David Boies, the government's chief litigator, stating that the case has always been about the market for personal computer operating systems.
  • Microsoft had called for the government to drop the case after the America Online and Netscape Communications Corp. merger announcement, but no formal request has been filed with the federal court or Attorney General Janet Reno.
  • Microsoft's motivation for making Internet Explorer available in various forms was to protect its Windows operating system monopoly from the growing threat of the Internet.

Statistics:

  • 30 pages of direct testimony from James Gosling are expected to be made public after the court recesses today.
  • Microsoft has been accused of creating a "polluted" version of Java for its products in an attempt to derail Sun's competitive efforts.
  • Sun won a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit the company brought against Microsoft two weeks ago, forcing Microsoft to make changes to its Java products.
  • 100% of the personal computer market is dominated by Microsoft's operating system.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg News
  • Federal court records
  • Statement by David Boies, government's chief litigator
  • Statement by Microsoft spokesman