Don't Punish Innovation

by Ben Rousch

Microsoft is one of many leaders in the desktop computing industry, and any anti-trust action taken against Microsoft will only hinder America's economic and technological growth.

Microsoft specializes in software and operating systems for desktop computers, but it does not hold a monopoly in those areas. Although some form of a MS-Windows operating system is present on about 90 percent of desktop computers, there are many low-priced, viable alternatives. These include the Apple Macintosh operating system, the many forms of Unix or Linux, IBM's OS/2, BeOS, and many others. Windows is not the only operating system available, and many people choose not to use it. Another of Microsoft's popular products is Internet Explorer, a web browser which has a little over 50 percent of the web browser market. Internet Explorer is integrated directly into the Windows operating system and its icon is displayed prominently on the desktop. Until recently the Netscape Navigator, a web browser created by one of Microsoft's competitors and the main instigator in the Department of Justice vs. MS trial, controlled a dominant portion of the web browser market (about 75-90 percent in 1996-1997). Recently, however, Microsoft has improved Internet Explorer to such a point that it regularly beats the Netscape Navigator in independent tests. Netscape does not like this, so it has badgered the Department of Justice into bringing an anti-trust case against Microsoft claiming that Bill Gates's company uses "strong-arm tactics" and illegal methods in its business dealings.

Why does Microsoft have such a large part of the desktop computer software market? Is it because of their underhanded, legally questionable bullying tactics, or because of their commitment to providing users with what they want? It may be a little of both. However, as the DOJ vs. MS trial is showing, Microsoft's competitors are just as dirty and cutthroat as Bill Gates. The high-tech industry is fast-paced, competitive, and has the potential to make just about anyone rich. This kind of atmosphere is a breeding ground for people who are willing to bend the law to be a success.

Microsoft constantly improves and enhances its products according to customer needs. If Microsoft does not provide what the customer wants, someone else certainly will. When Microsoft did not provide a web browser, Netscape stepped in to fill the void. Businesses demanded better word processing and spreadsheet programs, so Corel and Lotus created their office suites. However, Microsoft has always come back with a better product than its competitors.

So why is the DOJ singling out Microsoft? Maybe because Microsoft is arguably the most successful and high-profile company in the industry. When most people turn on their computer, they see the Flying Windows logo and an Internet Explorer icon as big as life. When they turn on their TV, they see a blitz of ads for Microsoft's new operating system, web browser, and office suite. There are other high-tech companies out there who earn more money than Microsoft, but they tend to keep a lower profile by providing hardware and software mainly for big business. Microsoft's presence is more pervasive and obvious.

The DOJ is trying to punish Microsoft for its success. If the Department of Justice gets its way, Microsoft may be punished by being broken into little pieces, heavily fined, or forced to include competitor's products with their own even though Microsoft has done nothing more than become a successful company with a large number of loyal and satisfied users. For the good of America and consumers everywhere, the Department of Justice must not succeed.

If Microsoft is punished, it will discourage computer programmers everywhere, and will greatly decrease Microsoft's productivity. If Microsoft starts going downhill, then everything that depends on their products will be adversely affected. This includes most Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and home computer users. Soon foreign companies will see a crack in America's dominance of the high-tech industry and will take over like they have many other industries, such as electronics or clothing. MR

This article was published in the 18 November 1998 edition of The Michigan Review (Volume 17, Number 4).
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