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Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Serves Subpoenas to Five Leading Tech Companies Ahead of Antitrust Trial

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft served subpoenas to International Business Machines Corporation, Netscape Communications Corporation, Novell Inc., Oracle Corporation, and Sun Microsystems Inc., seeking information on business practices similar to those at the heart of the antitrust suit against the company. The subpoenas, which could delay the September 23 start of the trial, request documents on potential collusion in the development of Unix and Java programming language to compete with Microsoft's Windows operating system. The move is part of Microsoft's defense strategy to show that the government lacks understanding of the software industry's practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft served subpoenas to five leading tech companies, including IBM, Netscape, Novell, Oracle, and Sun Microsystems, seeking information on business practices similar to those at the heart of the antitrust suit against the company.
  • The subpoenas request documents on potential collusion in the development of Unix and Java programming language to compete with Microsoft's Windows operating system.
  • The move is part of Microsoft's defense strategy to show that the government lacks understanding of the software industry's practices.
  • Microsoft spokesman Mark Murray stated that the company decided to issue the subpoenas after a US District Court judge ordered Microsoft to turn over more records to the Justice Department.
  • The subpoenas are so broad that it is difficult to see how the information can be gathered and analyzed in the days left before the scheduled start of the antitrust trial on September 23.
  • A Netscape spokesman confirmed that the company is responding to the subpoena and intends to respond in a timely manner.

Statistics:

  • 5 leading tech companies served with subpoenas by Microsoft.
  • 8-page subpoenas issued to each company.
  • Unix operating system: widely used on engineering workstations.
  • Java programming language: developed by Sun to compete with Microsoft's Windows operating system.
  • September 23: scheduled start date for the antitrust trial.
  • Microsoft's competitors allegedly engaging in similar practices to those at the heart of the antitrust suit against the company.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corporation
  • International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
  • Netscape Communications Corporation
  • Novell Inc.
  • Oracle Corporation
  • Sun Microsystems Inc.

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