-=> Quoting Justin Baustert to Robert Plett <=-
 RP> If MS could end the contract in such a way, then isn't it likely that
 RP> Compaq was in violation of that contract's provisions, said
 RP> provisions being things Compaq had agreed to abide by?
 JB> I believe that was said after the fact, but it wasn't specifically
 JB> stated in  the contract.. AFAIK, Microsoft forces all OEMs to sign
 JB> support agreements in  order to use their software.  This removes
 JB> Microsoft's responsibilities of  end-user support.  If the OEMs are
 JB> going to be forced to support the product,  they should at least be
 JB> able to choose what external utilities will be  included, Internet
 JB> Explorer included.. 
 This is something to be hashed out between Microsoft, and the
 manufacturer, not the Feds.
 RP> Whatever one might think of Bill Gates, I've never heard anyone call
 RP> him a dummy when it comes to contracts.  After all, it was the nature
 RP> of the contract he got IBM to sign that made him rich in the first
 JB> He's promised the world and produced mostly junk from the beginning. 
 JB> Sooner  or later the hype machine will break down, I hope..
 Your opinion.
 david.hartung@mcione.com
 Ilks of Metropolitan Walls/LENS
 Proud member of White House Enemies database
... Grow up?!?  But I never finished my _first_ childhood!
___ Blue Wave/386 v2.21 [NR]
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/Wildcat5! v2.0
---------------