Comment Re:An open standard is not the answer (Score 1) 200
Hey slow down there, PrimeEnd.
You wrote succinctly, but your words are based on nothing but conjecture, speculation, and your own brand of FUD.
Microsoft would "innovate" and build the client into Windows as part of the operating system.
Please come back with specifics on how this "innovation" will take place. Will they "build the client into
Examine the work Redmond has done in building a component based browser. Has Netscape/AOL developed a similar component architecture for their browser yet? This should give us some real indication of what the mindset is at 1 Microsoft Way.
"In the fullness of time... "
--Kidding, right? How much time is "In the fullness of time"? 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? More than 1 year?
Weaving the browser war into this argument doesn't cut it. Netscape BLEW IT by releasing increasingly error ridden and incompatible versions of their browser, while Microsoft has done admirable work to continuously IMPROVE Internet Explorer. Netscape was "driven out" because of their own INCOMPETENCE. Microsoft didn't do it to them, they did it to THEMSELVES. And then off they go, crying to the Federal Govt.: "Oooo! DOJ! We're not smart enough to compete against Microsoft and their array of talented managers and developers. Please help us by distracting them, fining them, or breaking them up, please?" Netscape was/is absolutely PATHETIC about this.
Microsoft would be free to "enhance" the product making it incompatible with non-Windows systems
The fact is, they are doing just the opposite (at least with Internet Explorer). Like to see proof? OK, then go Here.
What makes more sense? MS develops Instant Messaging technology for MSN users (and anyone else who wants to download their client), and ALSO tries to make their software compatible with a competing architecture, only to have the door slammed shut by AOL -repeatedly. Who's loses here? Consumers. You and me. Thanks, AOL. Thanks a lot.
AOL is certainly aware of this possibility and that is why they (rightly) will not go to an open standard.
Hoo boy.. So the solution is to keep their technology closed? Sew it up, lock the doors, gun 'em down! No one gets in!! AOL is certainly free to pursue this within the limits of the law, and may continue to refuse access to their network if they like. But the truth about networks is this: the more people who have access to a network, the more valuable it becomes. By putting up a fence, AOL is deliberately diluting the value of 'net and are making themselves appear MONOPOLISTIC in deed. Tell me: do you think that will raise an eyebrow or two in D.C.??? It will be interesting to witness how all this gets played out come Y2K...
