kaled - 6:33 pm on Jun 14, 2009 (gmt 0)

And you're wrong. Microsoft does get to choose. They could disobey the court if they choose to.

Obviously, Microsoft have the option of breaking the law, it's an option they are very familiar with, but if they go down that road, it would be a mistake.

QUESTION
What does MS stand to gain financially from this argument?

ANSWER
Nothing

QUESTION
What does MS stand to loose financially from this argument?

ANSWER
Billions

Clearly, the Microsoft board is suffering from collective insanity. The best case scenario of arguing with the EU Commission is that they don't loose anything. The worst case scenario could cost tens of billions. Stupidity, insanity, childish petulance, it could be any of these, but this fight does not represent sound business practice.

If Microsoft, said, "sure, we'll bundle a couple of alternative web browsers" they would look like the good guys, and it wouldn't cost them a penny, in legal fees, lost revenue or fines. This spat is as much about stupid childish petulance (by Microsoft) as anti-trust issues.

Kaled.