All right, I admit it. I own Microsoft stock. No I'm not a Microsoft Millionaire, I'm just a small time investor hoping that the he can squirrel enough away in his IRA to be able to retire by the time he's 65. Why invest in Microsoft? Because Bill and the Boys (and Girls) down in Redmond, Washington know how to put together a product that people want and will use and for which they will pay money.
Microsoft is now being sued by the federal government and some variable number of state governments for conduct unbecoming. I am completely perplexed by the trust busting mentality. The various attorneys-general state in their briefs and press releases that Microsoft's practices are anti-competitive. The truth of the matter is that Microsoft's business practices are VERY competitive and that is what has made them the top software company in the world.
If the company did not use every bit of leverage they could muster to sell their products, then I for one would not be a fan. I would pull my money out of Microsoft and put it on someone who really cares about their investors as well as putting out a quality product.
The competition (and Microsoft haters) whine because they have been fighting a losing battle with Microsoft. If they are losing, it is not because Microsoft is so anti-competitive. It is because the opposition is not competitive enough. Take OS/2, for example, or Apple, they have come out with some respectable products, but have failed to competitively market them. Should a company have the moxy and the marketing to develop a great operating system (or browser, for that matter) it will make headway against Windows or IE or what not. These companies can swing their own deals with computer manufacturers.
Truly, it is only a matter of time before Microsoft becomes complaisant and some up-and-comer knocks it off its high-horse. We don't need state and federal governments interfering with the process. In effect it will make Microsoft less efficient and it will make their competition less keen and less sharp.
What the consumer wants is good and inexpensive computer products - we are getting that from Microsoft. When Microsoft no longer does that, some other company will take over who will.
That's when I adjust my portfolio.
WJRayment
