In their new version of Windows dubbed “Vista,” Microsoft has included a number of useful features that has several companies rattling the anti-trust sabers once again.
For instance, Adobe Inc., creators of the widely used PDF document standard, object to Microsoft’s built-in functionality that gives users the ability to create PDF files without having to use Adobe’s own software.
Real Networks, per usual, is protesting that Microsoft is integrating media playback capabilities in the form of Windows Media Player 11, which competes directly with Real Player.
And now Symantec, developers of anti-virus software, is complaining that Microsoft will include their own firewall, which could lower sales of Symantec’s own solutions.
And as mentioned above, all three of these firms are appealing to regulators to “solve” what they see as anti-competitive business practices to prevent their sales from eroding.
Surely then, it is only a matter of time before software firms that make calculators or solitaire protest the inclusion of such services into Windows. Is not the native support of the English language (and dozens of others) a clear and present danger to third-parties eeking out a living?
Soon thereafter, perhaps boutique’s specializing in steering-wheels and headlights may begin to sue automobile companies for integrating a steering-wheel and headlights into cars. And no one should forget about those built-in cassette and CD players.
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Taken to its logical conclusion, suppliers should sue car manufacturers that add their own seats, tires, and radios to the car at the factory, rather than forcing consumers to buy them seperately.
If only we could force governments to unbundle their services. “It is unfair to force consumers of roads and crime protection to pay for foreign military bases and corporate subsidies.”
Classic rent-seeking behavior?
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