OT - Re: Microsoft Hatred FAQ

[Arthur]

On Thu, 03 Nov 2005 23:25:45 +1100, Steven D'Aprano
<steve at REMOVETHIScyber.com.au> wrote:

> Accounting software comes to mind. But just because Microsoft
>did not, or was unable to, illegally squelch competition in one market
>does not excuse them for doing so in another.

Just as a factual matter, while Micorsoft has not achieved a monopoly
on accounting software, it is not for not trying.  The Business
Solutions unit is hard at work on the project.  

It is not judgemental - sinply factual  - that among the strategies
being employed is to buy accounting software vendors for the express
purpose of burying their offering, creating less options in the
marketplace, and of course offering a migration path to Microsoft
alternatives for the software they are buying to bury.

Not a pleasant thing to watch, and not sure why it doesn't get more
attention from regulators. 

but to the extent it doesn't, it is playing within the rules.

"Roll-ups" of this sort are in fact happening all over the economy -
in muffler shops as well as accoutning software.  Consumers benefits
from the economies of scale achioeved.

Whether they like it or not ;)

Art