The Microsoft Decision: The Endgame Begins

Once again, the shares of Microsoft (MSFT Quote) are likely to come under scrutiny as U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson prepares to issue the first of several rulings in the historic trial of U.S. vs. Microsoft tonight at 6:30 p.m. EST.

For months, the trial has riveted the attention of both analysts and observers as the rapier-like lead prosecutor, David Boies, shredded Microsoft's legal team's defenses.

But the outcome of the case is far from foregone: The government must prove both the existence of a monopoly and that Microsoft abused its position to savage its competitors.

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Moreover, today's announcement will likely mark the beginning of a protracted endgame. Jackson will issue "factual findings" that will represent the first step toward a final judgment in the case. That final judgment could come by year-end, say legal experts, who stress that the case will wind through appeals courts until 2002.

Throughout the trial's many twists and turns, TSC columnist Jim Seymour followed the thrusts of the government, as well as the parries of the Microsoft defense team. As we await the judge's ruling, it makes for a great read.

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Previous TSC Stories

JULY 16, 1999
A Sweet Victory for Microsoft
A Connecticut jury's decision makes it one down, two to go for the software giant.

JUNE 15, 1999
McNealy, Microsoft and the Bully Pulpit
The Sun CEO takes the stand tomorrow. Plus, enough of those Qwest-Global Crossing conspiracy theories.

JUNE 1, 1999
Justice vs. Microsoft Wheezes Back to Life
But does anyone care? This issue has completely disappeared from America's radar screens.

MARCH 26, 1999
Recipe for Disaster: Split-Microsoft Soup
Consumers would lose out were the AGs to split the Windows franchise into three.

FEB. 23, 1999
Gen. Ballmer's Four-Prong Offensive
How Microsoft can head the government off at the pass.