Periodically, the Phalanx has regaled you with latest in the on going “anti-trust” shenanigans involving the European Union and Microsoft. Microsoft, like most large successful business enterprises, has been targeted by failures who have proven unsuccessful in their ability to compete within the free enterprise system.

The European Union, like the US government before them, took up the cause of these failed companies accusing Microsoft of unfairly abusing its Monopoly, which is essentially nonsense.

In the first place Microsoft is not a monopoly, contrary to popular myth (for example the Phalanx is published daily without the use of a Windows PC) and secondly Microsoft has every right to design its Windows OS in any manner it so chooses, and should not be obligated to provide rivals and competitors with a competitive advantage. Regardless of this, the EU has levied a $357 million fine on Microsoft for supposed “anti-trust” violations.

There simply is no rationale for the EU desire to compel Microsoft to relinquish control of its trade secrets (Windows Source Code), in order to enhance the bottom line of its rivals.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0607130279jul13,1,2356699.story?coll=chi-business-hed

Recent Posts on this topic:
http://www.thephalanx.com/2006/06/judgement-day-for-microsoft.html

http://www.thephalanx.com/2006/03/stroll-down-lets-suppose-lane.html

http://www.thephalanx.com/2006/01/microsoft-caves-to-eu-strong-arm.html

http://www.thephalanx.com/2005/12/microsoft-in-hot-water-with-euagain.html