As I read the rule under the plan, Internet Explorer will be under the applications company but the Windows company will be allowed to license it. Whatever happens, getting industry insiders to say anything as the litigation goes forward may be a challenge for all the news services that cover the industry. Legal advisors to the movers and shakers within the industry are warning their clients not to speak on the record, according to one industry source. The fear is that during the long appeals process, any comments may be perceived as a vested interest and proof that the industry is ganging up on the Redmond giant. If that happens, company executives may be deposed by Microsoft attorneys.
Attorneys are clearly nervous.
InfoWorld Editor at Large Ephraim Schwartz is based in San Francisco.