Re: a fine kettle of fish

From: Tom Keller <tkeller[_at_]bigred.unl.edu>
Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 13:53:49 -0500 (CDT)

    While Microsoft may CLAIM copyright protection, that does not necessarily CONFER such protection.

    Microsoft knowingly and deliberately modified an existing authentication protocol that is public domain to render it incompatible with any other implementation of this protocol. This in itself is an indication of bad faith, and is precisely the sort of predatory and mercenary activity that has gotten Microsoft convicted of Antitrust violations.

    The intimidation being attempted against Andover will not only NOT result in a cessation of the distribution of your allegedly stolen specification, it will almost certainly ensure broader and faster distribution.

    If Microsoft spent as much on actual innnovation (a concept referred to much by your internal Ghod....er....CEO, but an activity seldom, if ever actually engaged in by your company) as they do on legal intimidation, the company would never have been charged with the antitrust violations for which they were recently convicted, and they might actuaklly have some innovative and reliable products on the market.

    This is yet another example of why the government should break Microsoft up. My only objection to the breakup proposal is that they only proposed two new entities. I agree with many industry analysts who assert that three or more would be more beneficial to the industry and to the consumer.

    I strongly suggest that Microsoft reverse it's decision on this matter, and publicly apologize.

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-- 
Tom Keller                      Information Technology Support Helpdesk
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"Out! Out! You demons of stupidity!" - St. Dogbert Received on Mon May 15 2000 - 18:54:15 GMT