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NY Senator Schumer calls for Hearings on Windows XP
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) held a press conference yesterday to call for Senate Judiciary Committee hearings to investigate Windows XP and to urge all 50 states attorneys general to file suit prohibiting "the release of Windows XP unless Microsoft agrees to make significant changes to XP."
Schumer also wrote to Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer demanding changes to Windows XP, which is scheduled for release in October. Citing allegations levied by two New York-based companies, AOL-Time Warner (AOL) and Kodak, Schumer contends that Microsoft is "engaging in what appear to be anti-competitive practices."
While Microsoft respects the opinion of Senator Schumer and has welcomed his leadership on industry issues in the past, the company does not believe that the complaints of AOL and Kodak merit congressional hearings. Furthermore, Microsoft has repeatedly expressed our willingness to work with the government to resolve the remaining issues in the antitrust case; we believe that the call for hearings and threat to delay Windows XP could be disruptive as the two sides try to seek a final resolution.
Microsoft has responded to Senator Schumer's concerns by highlighting the fact that Windows XP is designed as an open platform that enables other software companies, even our toughest competitors, to design computer programs that run on Windows. In addition, computer manufacturers that install Windows can provide any third-party software to their customers. Unlike the closed world of AOL, where consumers are limited to choices selected by AOL, Windows XP provides consumers with the means to access a far greater range of software and Internet services.
Read Microsoft's response.
Microsoft has tens of thousands of partners throughout the United States, many of whom are eagerly anticipating the successful launch of Windows XP. Many financial analysts and industry observers believe that Windows XP will give the PC industry and the economy a much-needed boost. Consumers, businesses, and the economy should not have to bear the brunt of a government attempt to derail the release of this product. See comments from our Windows XP Partners.
Please take a few minutes to let your elected officials know what you think about holding hearings to delay the shipment of Windows XP. Click on the following link, and in a few easy steps, you can contact your legislators to communicate your views on this issue: www.freetoinnovate.com
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