Stardate 20010628.1549 (On Screen): Today's appellate ruling in the Microsoft antitrust suit appears to be a Rorshach test, with everyone seeing in it what they want to see. Most of the news coverage hasn't helped any, trying to be too brief in summarizing the points of a very complicated decision. This linked article is the best explanation I've found so far about the case, but to get the real story you need to actually
read the decision, as tough going as that is. It's a split decision, but in my opinion it is far more in Microsoft's favor than against it. With this, I think the result is going to be
a negotiated settlement. They almost had one last year, but some intransigent state Attorneys General stopped it. Microsoft's bargaining position is stronger now and I think there will be an agreement. Despite an order for another (partial) trial, I don't think that will happen. I think we're going to see another consent decree.
(discuss)
