Microsoft Settlement Talks Set Next Week

Negotiations with Microsoft Corp. to try to settle its federal antitrust case will begin in earnest early next week, said a state attorney general who is among those suing the software giant. Attorneys general for the 19 states suing the company along with the Justice Department met in Washington to discuss the four-page proposal Microsoft sent earlier this week. Chances of a settlement remain slim; the company’s initial overture was described by California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer as a “minimalist opening offer.” The government indicated it will make a counteroffer. State attorneys general agreed to remain silent about what occurred at the meeting, but New Mexico Atty. Gen. Patricia Madrid told reporters that the settlement talks will begin Tuesday. Microsoft indicated this week it would consider changing some of its most controversial agreements, such as letting computer companies hide easy access to Internet software bundled with its Windows system. But it said it won’t accept restrictions on what new features it can add to Windows. The government accuses the company of illegally using Windows’ popularity to extend its considerable influence and crush rivals. The trial is tentatively scheduled to resume April 12. Microsoft shares climbed $8.69 to a record $179.94, up more than 5%.