In the War of Windows, New York could be the battlefield.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer yesterday called for the government to block the release of Windows XP until Microsoft makes it more compatible with programs made by other companies.
A one-time Microsoft supporter, Schumer joined a growing chorus of disapproval, firing up his word processor and writing to New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer asking him to “enjoin” – or prevent the sale of – Windows XP in New York unless Microsoft caves.
As preliminary settlement talks between Microsoft, 18 state attorneys general and the Department of Justice moved into their second day today in Washington, the sabre rattling grew louder.
Schumer also told the head of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division not to settle with Microsoft “unless they agree to a global settlement providing open access for competitors to offer their software application products on an equal basis with Microsoft applications.”
Batting for New York companies such as Kodak and AOL Time Warner, Schumer was talking about digital photo imagers, media players, ISPs and instant messaging programs. Such companies could find their products undercut by Windows XP’s default offerings. “It appears to me that Microsoft intends to maximize its monopolistic power, using XP as a platform to enter new lines of business while encumbering competitors,” Schumer said.
Microsoft replied with a statement saying, “Contrary to AOL’s self-interested lobbying, Windows XP is designed to enable user choice and partner opportunity.”
Observers see Micrsoft hanging tough on the issue of “unbundling” its products in the new operating system. Georgetown University Law Professor Steven Salop said, “So far Microsoft has only promised to stop firing bullets into a corpse.”
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT.), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, chipped in, saying the Senate will hold hearings on Microsoft and how to promote competition on the Internet.
Spitzer’s spokesperson said he was looking at the issue closely, but had no comment yet. Spitzer was a lead opponent of Microsoft last time around, but has kept mum on the subject of XP so far.
Microsoft tossed another bone to the trustbusters yesterday, saying it would allow the open source development of CE 3.0, the portable version of Windows.
“If they don’t hurry up the horse will be out of the barn,” said Howard University Law Professor Andy Gavil. “If the government stops Windows XP just before it comes out then it’ll be World War 4.0,” he said.