Re: no Java in XP Windows

> Day 1:  Both companies gear up their marketing channels, since they have
the
> same customer base.

Okay, so here it is day one and they are "gearing up their marketing." What
is their pitch to take customers from the other MS? Not feature set, not
quality (surely!). Their only competing factor can be price.

> Day 2:  They both start trying to cut a deal with Netscape (even though
> OSS), if not to buy out the code, at least to develop standards that their
> version of Explorer can capitalize on.

Why would a company which has gone to such lengths to destroy Netscape
suddenly seek them to help establish standards? Both of the new MSs already
have a browser, why would they want to revitalize a competitor?

> Year 1:  Bill Gates allowed to start shifting his portfolio to one company
> or the other.

I think this kills the deal. When BG moves from one to the other co, the one
he does not head up folds. Investors will follow him, thus that is where the
money goes. Investors in the other company lose, their stock becomes
worthless.

> I'm no expert on the corporate culture of M$, but from what I've seen, it
> based primarily on cannabilism.  Win at all costs.  Destroy or buy out all
> competition.  Does any one really believe Bill Gates is doing it for the
> money any more...?  Whatever...

Certainly if it were true that we had two existing companies with the same
products competing with each other, that would be wonderful for consumers. I
just don't think it is likely to get to this stage. I don't think that the
JD can make a move that will hurt stockholders this much without giving any
remedy to the companies that have been hurt by MS.

> like it is right now...;-)  That's the most likely result of any kind of
> consent decree anyway.  M$ has had consent decrees already.  What did they
> change?  Whatever...

Unfortunately, I do feel that not much will be changed by these findings. MS
is pushing off the decision until after they deliver XP. While I'd like a
breakup, I doubt one.

But I am interested in seeing if Netscape and others will go ahead and sue.

> jJt
Chris Rehm
javadisciple@earthlink.net
If you believe that the best technology wins the
marketplace, you haven't been paying attention.


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