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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Research Paper on Microsoft

Research Paper on Microsoft

Many of us have seen Microsoft evolve into a company of great power and richness. Through this Microsoft has had many problems. Many of those, are still trying to be dealt with and finally put to rest today. Much blame has been put on to Bill Gates and what he has done for the company. One of the main problems with Microsoft is their anti-trust problem. The outcome of this case will determine the future of the most successful technology firm, and computing itself. Microsoft has been wrestling with American government over how it has used the Windows monopoly of PC operating systems to extend the software market. What the anti-trust laws forbid is the barrage of anti-competitive practices that Microsoft uses to dextral its rivals and to avoid competition. Microsoft acted illegally to counter Netscape’s Navigation browser. In May 1995, Microsoft proposed that it would supply a browser for Windows, while Netscape could have all the attention. A one million dollar a day fine to punish Microsoft for breaking the consent agreement that had been signed in 1994 for bidding it to tie the sale or distribution of applications to the licensing of Windows. Microsoft’s incidence was that computer-makers instruct after the “First Screen”, the first thing when you turn on the computer. Microsoft entered into large Internet providers, AOL (American Online). The main purpose of Windows 98 is to deliver the knockout blow to Netscape. What Bill Gates has is the ability to visualize and implement a business strategy that is almost unmatched. (The Economist Newspaper and The Economist Group, 1998)
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Dividing the firm into two more or less equal halves is an operating system called Windows. Allowing PC makers to conceal the Internet and the explorer icon on the desktop, and letting them feature rival applications; offering equal contracts to computer makers, whether or not they use the software of rivals. Making it easier for independent software developers to write programs for Windows by releasing more of its inner workings. But Microsoft continues to deny any wrongdoing and reserves the right to withdraw even these modest offerings. Even if Microsoft was punished none, not even a firm as dominate as Intel, which has had previous run-ins with anti-trust, enforces, has no resemblance to Microsoft. There is evidence that Microsoft is planning versions of office and other software that will run properly only on computer networks powered by the server edition of Windows 2000. (Play nicely, or not at all, 1998)

The judge of the Microsoft case ruled that the firm used “anti-competitive means” to preserve its monopoly in PC operating system software, he ordered it to split in two. Microsoft appealed against the ruling. Challenged the rise of the Internet, slewing applications revenues and the threat: to break-up. The future of the software industry would be www…net. Rather than relying on sales and upgrades to maintain its application revenues, Microsoft will be able to charge a subscription for the services. Microsoft faces three main challenges: the rise of the Internet, slowing applications revenues and the threat of break-up. A plan is to form a new blueprint for the future of software. Microsoft’s dominance of the PC marketplace stems from its ownership of the Windows operating system. Windows provides basic functions, such as drawing Windows and menus on the screen, managing network communications and accessing disk drive, on which all PC software can draw. Instead of selling its office suite in shrink-wrapped boxes, Microsoft plans to transform it into a subscription-based online service. Microsoft filed its brief to the Washington appeal court on November 27th 2001, and the Justice Department’s reply is expected on January 12th 2002. Microsoft can implement its crafty but risky new strategy, the verdict could have been rendered irrelevant. (Nasty Medicine, 2000)

The trustbuster who negotiated the first “consent decree” with the software giant back in July ’94, was in agreement and said that in effect to turn the companies’ defeat the count was to be victory. “The software code that compromises a Windows operating system product shall be determined by Microsoft in its sole desertion.” This means that the question underlining the entire case has been clearly answered in Microsoft’s favor: it can freely add other software elements to its flagship program, even if this expands its monopoly. An attempt to restrict Microsoft’s conducts and to increase competition in two main ways. The first is to give PC makers more freedom to hide Microsoft “middleware” (mainly its Internet-related programs, such as a web browser and an online music player) and to install competing software. The second main goal is to put Microsoft and its competing software vendors on to a more level playing field. Now it must publish the specifications for how its middleware and server software worth together with Windows. The opposition of half the eighteen states means that the trial is now entering uncharted territory. If all the states had gone along the next step would have been superficial court. The review under the Tunney Act, which is supposed to ensure that anti-trust settlements are not the result of political wheeling and dealing. (Microsoft’s Cunning Plan, 2001)

As for Europe, it should follow the United States’ lead and avoid imposing any further sanctions on Microsoft for its anti-competitive behaviors in trying its servers increasingly widely used in e-commerce and big business. To its desktop system and shutting out other desktop computers is one of the main focuses of Europe’s investigation. Also, in the European frame is the integration of ancillary software such as media players into Microsoft’s Windows operating system, allegedly forestalling competition and allowing the company to control audio and video distribution. The “sweeping remedy” should be avoided, the company says, because it would allow its rivals to clone its software with only modest outlay. Microsoft concerns the way it allegedly copies rivals developments and then drives them out if the market. (Microsoft begs Europe to back off, 2001)

The original claim that Microsoft had illegally bundled its web browser, Internet Explorer, with its monopoly Windows operating system. The eighteen state attorney generals who are also involved now have their hands free to pursue restrictions on Microsoft’s behavior, known as “conduct remedies”. Microsoft must refrain from threatening PC makers, which install competing software. These remedies were designed only as inter measures. The state attorney has vowed to make sure that Microsoft does not get away with a mere slap on the wrist, even at the price of appearing to break ranks with the DOJ (Department of Justice). Try to argue that Microsoft Windows is an “essential facility”. The main goal of the long-running trial was to create more competition in the software industry. Microsoft’s monopoly power has reduced them to mere manufactures of commodity products. Microsoft critics and competitors would also love to see the software giant put in a straitjacket. If the constraints on the company are too loose, it will find a way for them to think of a new innovation. A break-up would have been a cleaner solution. . (An unsettling settlement, 2001)

This provides services that no other PC company can do. The programs are simple to comprehend so more people would buy things that are simple. If Microsoft closes down then a lot of people, customers of Microsoft will loose money, loose all their programs. The competition will increase and Microsoft will always stay on top. No matter how many lawsuits are put upon Microsoft it’s only because the company needs higher competition. It has a lot of people behind their backs, including American Stats, European Countries and Canada. (Not off the hook, 2001)

In many cases a lot people believe that Microsoft should keep doing what they are doing. Bill Gates should keep continue to shatter our expectations. A simpler aspect would be children’s games. Also, the games could include an adult side. Although Microsoft has been through a lot of trials they continue becoming more powerful by the minute. A lot of Microsoft’s users are pleased with their products and enjoy what is being offered. Bill Gates has the ability to visualize and instigate a business strategy that is almost unmatched. That is why Microsoft is so powerful today, and will continue to be so.

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Warning!!! All free online research papers, research paper samples and example research papers on Microsoft topics are plagiarized and cannot be fully used in your high school, college or university education.

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