Quotes from the Key Players

What the players had to say about the verdict against Microsoft on Monday:

“This ruling turns on its head the reality that consumers know--that our software has helped make PCs more accessible and more affordable to millions . . . .

“Innovation will continue to be the No. 1 priority at Microsoft.”

--Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates

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“We’ve spent the past 25 years thinking of ourselves as a small aggressive company playing catch-up to industry giants even though at some point along the way we became a large company. Our success has really come from the opportunities that Microsoft and Windows have created for consumers and for thousands and thousands of companies, even while we competed with a few of those companies . . . .

“Our intense focus on moving forward has at times been seen as threatening and our passion for being the best has been misinterpreted. We can do better. But that doesn’t mean innovating any less or delivering any less value to consumers.”

--Microsoft Chief Executive

Steve Ballmer

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“We’re pleased that the court agreed with the department, that Microsoft abused its monopoly power, that it violated the antitrust laws, and that it harmed consumers. Microsoft has been held accountable for its illegal conduct by a court of law. Throughout the process, our goal has been to give consumers the benefits of competition. With competition comes more innovation, better products, lower prices and more choices.”

--Atty. Gen. Janet Reno

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“This landmark opinion, and in this history of antitrust, this is indeed a landmark opinion ... will also set the ground rules for this information age. It demonstrates that no company, no matter how powerful or how successful can refuse to play by the rules and thwart competition.”

--Assistant Atty. Gen.

Joel I. Klein

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“Microsoft is right to appeal this ruling. The government’s case stands on the shifting sands of a rapidly changing marketplace. Their premise is quickly becoming antiquated. Dwelling on the past only prevents the development of new technologies that bring benefit to consumers.”

--House Majority Leader

Dick Armey (R-Texas)

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“The future is unlimited if the innovations are unlimited. We brought this case to bring that about.”

--Iowa Atty. Gen. Thomas Miller

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“I continue to believe Microsoft will prevail because the government’s attorneys have not convincingly proven the case that Microsoft’s actions harmed consumers. The government speculated that consumers were harmed but have offered little

proof . . . .

“We are in the midst of a technology revolution and Judge Jackson’s ruling could imperil the progress we are making for consumers and the industry alike.”

--Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

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“In reality, everybody--from the high-tech industry to consumers--is harmed by this lengthy and expensive process initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice. As high-tech competition continues to thrive, the case against Microsoft is obsolete and a waste of the taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.”

--Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Wash.)

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“We were hoping to reach a resolution in this matter without continuing this litigation . . . . We are now faced with the difficult task of fashioning a remedy that seeks to fix the problems Microsoft’s illegal behavior has caused.”

--New Mexico Atty. Gen. Patricia Madrid

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“The case will continue to distract Microsoft from what it does best--lead the American software industry in the global marketplace. Shareholders must now worry what the remedy will be. Competitors must puzzle over whether this ruling changes the legal rules for the next ‘killer app’ that gives its owner a monopoly over particular platforms or technologies. And consumers are left wondering when they will get the benefits promised at the outset of the suit.”

--Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.)

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“If left unchecked, some of Microsoft’s practices would choke further innovation and consumer choice...*. I was surprised Microsoft did not heed the advice of so many to seize the opportunity to admit to its wrongdoings, recognize that the law does apply to Microsoft and put its past behind them.”

--Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) *

Source: Associated Press