From the Dark Side--Rats! Microsoft Settled Juicy Iowa Anti-Trust Suit

One of the last state lawsuits following Microsoft's federal conviction as an illegal monopolist was settled after seven years of litigation. Iowa wanted up to $330 million for consumers ripped off by Microsoft's corporate behavior.

The suit resulted in the public disclosure of a number of embarrassing internal Microsoft emails, the most infamous of which was one composed by Windows Vista chief Jim Alchin to founder Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer stating that if he didn't work for Microsoft, he'd buy a Mac. Since Mr. Alchin has retired from Microsoft, we hope that he has now fulfilled his wishes.

The terms of the settlement will be heard by the court on April 20th. Only the lawsuit by Mississippi remains. [Dana Baggett]