Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates Takes a Firm Stand Against the Justice Dept.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has addressed the public in an effort to win support for the company's position in its ongoing dispute with the Justice Department. In a letter to Microsoft's 25,700 employees and one million shareholders, Gates emphasized the importance of the company's ability to integrate Internet technology into the Windows operating system, stating that a vital principle is at stake: the freedom of American software companies to create software that benefits consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has written a letter to employees and shareholders, defending the company's position in its dispute with the Justice Department.
• Gates emphasizes the importance of the company's ability to integrate Internet technology into the Windows operating system, arguing that it is a vital principle that the freedom of American software companies to create software that benefits consumers should be protected.
• Gates expresses respect for the government and the judicial system, but notes that he is disappointed by their attempts to control an American success story.
• The computer software industry is one of the healthiest, most competitive and innovative segments of the American economy, according to Gates.
• Microsoft's goal has always been to create software that improves the quality of people's lives.
• Gates believes that the company's efforts to engage with customers, government policy-makers, and the public will help to explain the benefits of Microsoft's actions.

Statistics:

• Microsoft has 25,700 employees.
• The company has one million shareholders.
• The Justice Department's actions are being seen as an attempt to control an American success story, according to Gates.
• The computer software industry is one of the healthiest, most competitive and innovative segments of the American economy, according to Gates.

Sources:

• "Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates Takes a Firm Stand Against the Justice Dept.," Microsoft, released to the press. (No date)