Reading through the latest copy of the Joint Status Report of Microsoft’s antitrust decree filed today that I received in my inbox a few moments ago, I see that Microsoft has agreed to make the following changes to Windows Vista™ due to be slipstreamed through the SP1 update which is due to drop at the end of this year:
· Defaults: Computer manufacturers and consumers will be able to select a default desktop search program similar to the way they currently select defaults for third-party web browsers and media players in Windows Vista.
· Easy Links: Links to the default desktop search program will be provided on the Start menu and in Windows Explorer windows. (See attached slide.)
· Developer guidance: Microsoft will provide information to developers of third-party desktop search programs about how they can optimize their programs to minimize any performance problems.
How pragmatic of them!
I especially applaud their seeking to resolve this issue by a frightened, single-success competitor, rather than draw the concern out, and, by so doing, allow the terrified rival to gain in the court of public opinion what it cannot gain in the law courts.
Brad Smith, Microsoft lead counsel, please take a bow!
Jolly good show!
The complete JSR can be found here, with explanations of the proposed changes starting on page 9.
Previous posts on this:
Crocodile tears at the Googleplex, June 11, 2007
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