Microsoft Anti-trust settlement finally set to expire on the 12th May

April 28, 2011 | By Surur

microsoft_antitrust Since 2002 Microsoft has been under supervision by the Department of Justice with the aim of preventing “predatory behaviour” which at that time meant shipping IE6 with PCs. The settled required Microsoft to be supervised internally by a team who had full access to Microsoft’s systems, records, and source code for five years in order to ensure compliance, resulting in a 400 member legal department in Microsoft to supervise compliance.

Now, 10 years later, the supervision, which has been a draining force in Microsoft is finally set to expire.

Attorneys for the Department of Justice and several states told a judge on Wednesday that they would not raise any objections to next month’s expiration of Microsoft’s decade-old antitrust settlement with the U.S government.

"We are pleased with today’s hearing. As was noted by the Court and the plaintiffs, we are on track for the Final Judgments to expire on May 12," said a Microsoft spokesperson.

It is clear the removal of the anti-trust supervision will have an immediate impact on Microsoft’s product roadmap.

One example is that Microsoft is finally tying together Windows and Windows Live, allowing users to log onto their PC using their Live ID, and also to roam with their profile. It is also rumoured that an HTML5 app tied to Windows Live Mail will replace the mail client in Windows 8.

The effect on Windows Phone development is less clear, but what is certain is that Microsoft will be able to move more decisively than for the last 10 years.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged microsoft, windows phone 7

msftfan

Hopefully innovation will follow – and maybe they can now target some other company that apparently can get away with murder.
wethaman

Ummm. Can I say it?

SHIT JUST GOT REAL!
zzz

TIME TO GO LONG MSFT.
guestz0r

MS has been preparing for this. Just wait till Big Daddy is no longer shackled by this settlement. All the integration people praise Apple for is going to look like childs play in the next couple years (good childs play, but childs play none the less).

northerngeek

I really do hope that we do in fact get to see a Microsoft that is truely unshackled, similar to the freedom Apple and Google seem to enjoy. However I side with Paul Thurrot in thinking that with the EU constantly breathing down Microsoft's neck we're not going to see an aggressive Microsoft for a long time yet- MS can only hope to get their competitors put under similar scrutiny (which for some reason has never happened*).

*= This really frustrates me, Apple and Google brag at no end about how their products succeed but they're fighting a giant who's hands are tied- talk about an unfair fight.

tjarren

Original story on InformationWeek:

"The settlement's expiration isn't likely to have any immediate impact on Microsoft's product portfolio, and the company has stated that it plans to comply with most of its terms beyond May 12."

This story:
"It is clear the removal of the anti-trust supervision will have an immediate impact on Microsoft’s product roadmap."

So which is it?

http://wmpoweruser.com wmpoweruser

One is their opinion, and the other mine. Neither are quotes, and I think I have plenty to support my assertion.

tjarren

I understand that.

I guess what I thought was that you had some solid evidence that caused you to come to that conclusion. I sure hope so it's the case and will usually spout such speculative optimism in my comments, but as the originator of the story it'd be dandy if you elaborated on why you feel that way with links.

drewidian

I personally think that it is clear that MS has gone to great lengths to prepare for this expiration. If you look at all of the services that have been built up separately, hotmail, live ID, XBox, messenger, office/office 360, zune, wp7, Bing,etc, it is clear that MS has setup an architecture that could be extremely powerful if integrated. They have all been built up and matured over the years and most are fine as stand alone products. Even WP7's services are all separate and can be paid for individually. If you also note, Microsoft has never complained about the integration of iTunes or google's search being integrated into their respective OS environment the way they were restricted from doing so in Windows. It's clear to me that Mango and Windows8 will be the first generation of windows with many of these services offering enhanced functionality if you use the MS products. Their competitors won't be able to compete with the vast array of services in the MS war chest. It looks like things are going to get really exciting.

Btw… MS stock is at a great long term buying price the way apple was before the "I" revolution. (not that I am advocating that anyone should buy their stock. )

rsg

I've actually been waiting to pick up MS and NOK stocks, since I already own Apple shares.

Exciting times ahead for MS and, especially, us – the consumers.

http://www.facebook.com/deadonthefloor Mark Firemoon

I agree with your opinion.
I have seen a shift in the last 10 years since Microsoft had to operate under such compliance. What has resulted has been amazing for the tech industry as a whole, and Microsoft's commitment to standards, In supporting, developing and promoting.

I look forward to an exciting future.

oijojojio

skydrive integrated into everything, Zune will be unstoppable. we will have the new Microsoft, ready to swing and take the gloves off.
ojijioj

remember when eric schmidt was on apples board of directors? i cant beleive that was allowed….
http://www.facebook.com/jessiethe3rd Jessie Anderson

Get ready to hear the "antitrust" card being pulled over and over and over and over as Microsoft begins to join all the pieces of the puzzle together. Game Over.
jabtano

The MS adds should read "The game changes today" see what Apple can do, see what Google can do. now look and see what MS can do.