Microsoft Criticized by Citizens for a Sound Economy Foundation Amid Antitrust Claims

Strategic Insights -

In a recent letter delivered to Congress, Paul Beckner, president of Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) Foundation, criticized the Department of Justice's (DOJ) antitrust claims against Microsoft Corporation. Beckner argued that the government's pursuit of the case is harming innovation and competition in the technology industry. The CSE Foundation commissioned a poll by Wirthlin Worldwide, which found that four out of five Americans believe Microsoft is good for consumers.

CSE Foundation's 250,000 members and the findings of the poll suggest that the DOJ's case against Microsoft is not about protecting consumers, but rather about helping Microsoft's competitors at the expense of the American public. Beckner urged policymakers not to ignore the DOJ's attempts to stifle innovation and competition through their pursuits against Microsoft.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CSE Foundation, representing 250,000 consumers, has commissioned a poll by Wirthlin Worldwide, which found that 81% of Americans believe Microsoft is good for consumers.
  • The Department of Justice's (DOJ) antitrust claims against Microsoft are being criticized by CSE Foundation, with Beckner arguing that the pursuit of the case is harming innovation and competition in the technology industry.
  • A related deal between America Online and Sun Microsystems offers America Online the potential to gain a large share of business and corporate accounts through e-commerce and the Internet.
  • High-tech business opportunities have attracted the interest of major players, including Telecommunications giants such as AT&T, which is seeking to establish a presence on the Internet.
  • Alternative operating systems, including the popular freeware Linux, limit Microsoft's ability to behave as a monopolist.
  • Consumers have benefited from the new products and services produced in the high-tech marketplace, and government intervention may limit the competitive pressures driving the market.

Statistics:

  • 81% of Americans polled in the Wirthlin Worldwide survey believe Microsoft is good for consumers.
  • 250,000 consumers are represented by the CSE Foundation.
  • The America Online-Sun Microsystems deal has the potential to give America Online a large share of business and corporate accounts.
  • AT&T has a stake in establishing a presence on the Internet.
  • 52% of those polled in the Wirthlin Worldwide survey believe the DOJ's case against Microsoft is not about protecting consumers, but about helping Microsoft's competitors.

Sources:

  • Paul Beckner, president of Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) Foundation.
  • Wirthlin Worldwide, poll commissioned by CSE Foundation.
  • Microsoft Corporation.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ).