The Microsoft Antitrust Story

The Microsoft Antitrust Story

One of the most significant cases in the business world is the US vs. Microsoft. In this case the US asserts that the business practices used by Microsoft create an unfair and dominant market and make them into a powerful monopoly. On the other hand, Microsoft argues that it is being unfairly punished for its success. This case is important because it will greatly affect the economy, other large corporations, its competitors, consumers, and Microsoft’s stockholders. After careful consideration of the controversial US vs. Microsoft case our consultation group found it imperative to contemplate several key factors before advising our presidential candidate to take a stance. While discussing the possible outcomes of each position, and taking into account who would suffer or succeed due to our decision, we came to an overall consensus.

As an advisement group to our presidential candidate we would suggest that she recognizes and fully supports Microsoft’s success, however also understands the negative effects it could have on the economy and its consumers. This is a complex issue and a difficult stance to take; therefore it is necessary to weigh the outcome of our decision from several points of view. In the business world Microsoft prohibits any other computer software company to profitably survive. “If Microsoft is taking steps to hobble the competitive effectiveness of these rival products and thereby supplant them, such serial killing of the competing technologies is a serious and troubling prospect” (Ted Bidis, “Microsoft Still Accused of Antitrust Acts”). Such a startling possibility is recognized and must be prevented for several reasons. By limiting Microsoft’s power and breaking d...

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