Microsoft, Google, duke it out
p2pnet.net news:- Google, which came bottom in a new six-month privacy probe into key Net-based companies, says Microsoft Vista violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice.
Google told the US Justice Department in April Vista’s desktop search application, “makes it too onerous for customers to switch to new products,” says The Street.
“Google’s move highlights its increasing rivalry with Microsoft as the line blurs between the desktop-centered world of the personal computer and the Internet,” says the story. “Microsoft is using its grip on the operating system that powers most personal computers to maker further inroads into the burgeoning online world.”
Google is demanding that Bill and the Boyz make it simple to turn off Vista’s built-in search function but, Microsoft says it’s no problem for people to easily install and access Google Desktop software, says The Independent.
“Google has expressed similar concerns before, but in recent weeks it has decided to push its case more forcibly in the legal arena. In April, it sent a 50-page submission to the Justice Department outlining its allegations, and the issue is set for an airing in a report by a Washington DC court later this month.”
Google is increasingly branching out into areas Microsoft had earmarked for itself and, “The company is making light versions of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software that could rival Microsoft’s high-profile Office suite,” the story states, adding:
“Microsoft has been a vocal critic of Google’s bid to acquire online ad technology firm DoubleClick. Microsoft alleges that the move would reduce customer choice. The deal is currently pending clearance from antitrust authorities.”
Microsoft hasn’t made it easy for users to disable Vista’s desktop search service, acknowledges Jack Evans, a Microsoft spokesman, in a PC World item. That’s, “because the company designed Vista’s desktop search specifically ‘to not affect performance and back off any other programs running’ – including any third-party desktop search software – in a way that should resolve any claims of anticompetitive behavior,” Evans states.
Also See:
six-month privacy probe – Google flunks major privacy study , June 11, 2007
The Street – Google Shines Antitrust Light on Vista, June 11, 2007
The Independent – Google takes on Microsoft in court, June 12, 2007
PC World – Burden of Proof on Google in Vista Antitrust Claim, June 11, 2007
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