Microsoft Wins another One - and the world loses?

The Washington Post, Today:

Microsoft Ruling Overturned
New Trial Ordered in Browser-Related Patent Dispute

By Michael Liedtke
Associated Press
Thursday, March 3, 2005; Page E05

SAN FRANCISCO, March 2 -- A federal appeals court reversed parts of a $521 million patent ruling against Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday, giving the world's largest software maker another chance to prove that its widely used Web browser didn't illegally copy a key piece of technology.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2828-2005Mar2.html

Maybe a good thing for the global monopoly and its billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, - but is it good for DL and is it good for ordinary Joe and Jane Bloke?

Thanks.

 

I am not big fan of Microsoft, but they did what a capitalistic company is supposed to do. I have been very impressed by their management's ability to focus on the long-term goal and acheive that goal. If only Scott McNealy of Sun and Larry Ellicson of Oracle were able to focus on the acheivements and advancements of their own companies and quite focusing on Microsoft, perhaps their own companies would be doing better. (especially in the case of Sun).

As far as Bill and Melinda Gates - I applaude these two. They could choose to be self-centered megalamaniacs like Larry Ellicson, but they chose to use their money for the betterment of mankind. They are definitely not obligated to do so. However, much like the David Packard's, Bill Hewletts, and a few other great business people, they have chosen to leave a positive legacy. I can never fault someone for doing that. (compare the Bill and Melinda foundation to the Walmart family foundation - the Walmart family foundation is pretty much fluff and mirrors - a pure PR campaign for a greed dog family who is more into saying they are good than actually being that way)

Of course this is IMHO -

(disclosure)