Microsoft Ploy

["Matthew Tisch" <mbt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

(2) Linux issue seen as ploy in Microsoft antitrust case

     In its antitrust trial, Microsoft has repeatedly raised the
     specter of the Linux operating system as a major threat to its
     operating system dominance. But in court Thursday, Microsoft's
     latest attempt to paint Linux as a potent desktop foe drew
     laughs from spectators and trial Judge Thomas Penfield
     Jackson. The laughter came when Microsoft attorney Michael
     Lacovara introduced a freshly written memorandum by a
     Microsoft executive David Cole titled "Linux is beating
     Windows." The May 20 memo said that Linux is outselling
     Windows 98 at several retail computer store chains. "Can you
     think of a reason why the recipient would have sent it to
     you?" Jackson asked Lacovara, grinning broadly as laughter
     burst out in the courtroom. Lacovara said the memo was sent
     along with some other marketing data he sought. It was
     admitted into evidence over the objections of the government,
     but based on Jackson's response its evidentiary value to
     Microsoft is probably nil.

     
http://www.infoworld.com/cgi-bin/displayStory.pl?99063.pilinuxploy.htm

Matthew Tisch
Accountant
Armstrong Intl

V:616 273-1415
F:616 279-7602
mbt@armintl.com