Microsoft Folds Under AntiTrust Pressure

A few days ago, I reported on the face-off between Microsoft and Google. Although hockey season's long over, it seems the two were ready to duke it out over the future of desktop searches within operating systems like Vista.

At the heart of the matter is Google's complaint that Microsoft's Windows Vista breaks antitrust law by making it exceptionally difficult to install secondary desktop search programs, like Google Desktop. Although Microsoft admits these programs run a bit slow, they still run, and thus, break no antitrust laws. (Source: zdnet.com)

When we reported on the rising hostilities between these two tech titans last Thursday, experts on the subject appeared to doubt Google's chances in court. However, that may all be changing.

Both Bloomberg and Reuters are reporting the Microsoft may be, in fact, bowing to Google's demands. Rumors are that Vista will be significantly altered, addressing complaints that the operating system's Instant Search makes it extremely tough to install similar, external software.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has publicly bragged that Vista has shipped 40 million times, meaning it's getting a bit late to change the software as it's shipped. Instead, consumers who already own Vista should expect a Service Pack update later this year. Additional options will include the choice to set any default search tool, much like setting a user's preferred browser or media player. (Source: washingtonpost.com)

It can't be that hard on Microsoft. Both the US Attorney General and company representatives have welcomed the agreement.