[Fsfe-uk] Re: FT article - Europe plans tougher line than US on Microsoft

[Nick Hockings]

> Message: 11

> From: <address@hidden>
> To: address@hidden
> Subject: [Fsfe-uk] FT article - Europe plans tougher line than US on
> Microsoft

> I saw this FT article today -
> "Europe plans tougher line than US on Microsoft" 
> Is it worth lobbying EU regulators for tougher action
> on Micro$oft ? ; or at least for establishing a fair
> market environment for use of Free Software, not
> hampered by anti-competitive practices and NDAs ?
> 
> Steve

What is important is to change the rules of the market, not to impose arbitrary 
fines or other sanctions. 

If the regulators find the use of "undocumented system calls and interfaces" 
illegal and demand withdrawall of such products, that would be a useful to both 
free and proprietary competition. 

The essence of MS's tactic has been the ability to shift the technical goal 
posts to ensure their competitors products can't work properly.

Once the interfaces are defined and published, MS could be required to sell its 
products separately. If MS have to do that, they might as well split up into 
one company per app, without being told to. 

Bill wouldn't get poorer, but he'd have less coercive power. (NB after AT&T was 
split up, the Baby Bells actually made more money, and US phone charges became 
the lowest worldwide.)


Do you know where & how to contact the EU regulators responsible? 
It would be a good idea for AFFS, FSFE etc to get these points across asap.

Would you be willing to write to the FT in your own name? Since you read it 
you'll know best how to phrase a letter to the editor to get it published.

Nick Hockings
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