From the Dark Side--M$-DOJ Deal in the Offing

for today's antitrust hearing. Here are the provisions according to the AP:

-Gives software developers and Microsoft competitors access to proprietary information about the Windows operating system that would let their software work seamlessly with Windows.

-Makes Microsoft offer computer manufacturers a version of Windows without added features. The company could not penalize customers for taking the unbundled version through contracts, but could entice them to take the fatter version with attractive pricing.

-Adds a new icon to the Windows desktop that lets users remove portions of Windows without just hiding them.

-Makes Microsoft continue to offer older versions of Windows for a limited time.

-Appoints a three-member independent panel to oversee the deal.

-Lasts for five years. If Microsoft violates the deal, the restrictions would be extended for two more years, until 2008.

We are not impressed. There is no punishment for past illegal activity and we do not see how this deal effectively prevents Microsoft from illegally leveraging off its operating system monopoly in the future. It will, however, frustrate Microsoft attempts to do some of the illegal things Microsoft has done in the past. Pretty weak remedy. The States have not agreed with this settlement according to this late AP article carried by Excite News.