Microsoft to review fact findings

WASHINGTON, Nov 6: Microsoft Corp today said the District Court's findings of fact in the antitrust lawsuit with the US Justice Departmen...

WASHINGTON, Nov 6: Microsoft Corp today said the District Court8217;s findings of fact in the antitrust lawsuit with the US Justice Department do not reflect the phenomenal competition and innovation in the software industry and that consumers make decisions based on the best products in the marketplace.

Microsoft said the company will continue to defend the principle of innovation and pointed out that today8217;s findings are just one step in an ongoing legal process that has many steps remaining. quot;We remain committed to resolving these issues in a fair and responsible manner as quickly as possible.quot; said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft.

quot;We understand that Microsoft has a responsibility to provide leadership on behalf of consumers and the industry. As part of that, we have a responsibility to protect the principle that has made America a leader in technology 8211; the freedom to innovate on behalf of our consumers.quot;

quot;Our industry is intensely competitive and innovative, creating great value forconsumers and millions of new jobs.quot;quot;Microsoft8217;s products are popular because we8217;ve focused on our customers and innovated to meet their needs,quot; Gates continued. quot;In this industry, no company has a guaranteed position.

Microsoft has succeeded because we have been guided by the most basic American values: innovation, integrity, serving customers, partnership, quality and giving to the community. We compete vigorously, but fairly.quot;

Microsoft said that it was continuing to review the findings of fact issued by US District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. The Court recognized in paragraph 408 of its findings that consumers have benefited from Microsoft8217;s actions: quot;The debut of Internet Explorer and its rapid improvement gave Netscape an incentive to improve Navigator8217;s quality at a competitive rate.

The inclusion of Internet Explorer with Windows at no separate charge increased general familiarity with the Internet and reduced the cost to the public of gaining access to it, at least in part because itcompelled Netscape to stop charging for Navigator. These actions thus contributed to improving the quality of Web browsing software, lowering its cost, and increasing its availability, thereby benefiting consumers.quot;

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quot;We believe the American legal system will ultimately affirm Microsoft8217;s position, and conclude that Microsoft8217;s innovations have brought tremendous benefits to millions of people,quot; said William H. Neukom, Microsoft senior vice president and general counsel. Gates said Microsoft will continue to build great technology and address customers8217; needs.quot;As we work to resolve this lawsuit, our 30,000 employees will focus on developing new innovative products.