Tell us what you think. But as the chips settle after the shattering ruling Friday, the remedy or punishment remains problematic. And for that reason, Microsoft and the government need to hammer out a settlement before Judge Jackson imposes one. The remedy phase carries landmark implications not only for Microsoft, but for a vibrant and competitive high technology that has prospered with minimal government intervention.
Any solution is likely to set the rules for future competition and innovation.
In the course of the trial, the government showed Microsoft to be an aggressive and arguably ruthless competitor. Splitting its Internet and operating system businesses. Forcing Microsoft to allow competitors to sell competing versions of Windows. Requiring Microsoft to distribute rivals' products or to sell Windows at lower prices. Those solutions move dangerously close to inviting government to micromanage technology industry competition.