June 20, 2007
California Attorney General Jerry Brown has won one for the Google. Microsoft has agreed to make significant changes in the design of its desktop search feature in the Windows Vista operating system.
Google, based in California's Silicon Valley, had complained that Vista's search function -- called "Instant Search" -- put Google and other independent search providers at a competitive disadvantage.
Details of Microsofts agreement were outlined in a joint status report that was filed in federal district court regarding the companys compliance with a 2002 antitrust Final Judgment.
This agreement -- while not perfect -- is a positive step towards greater competition in the software industry. It will enhance the ability of consumers to select the desktop search tool of their choice, Brown said.
Google argued that desktop search in Windows Vista is a Microsoft Middleware Product (MMP) and is therefore subject to the Final Judgment in the 2002 case. The state contended that Vistas desktop search feature is functionality that did not exist in prior Windows operating systems and is therefore covered under the Final Judgment.
Under the proposed solution, Microsoft will provide users and "original equipment manufacturers," such as HP or Dell, with greater flexibility to choose and access competing desktop search products. Microsoft has promised to deliver the required changes in a beta Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista, which Microsoft currently anticipates will be available by the end of the year.
Brown announced the agreement in conjunction with Microsoft, the United States Department of Justice and Plaintiffs in the New York Group (including New York, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin) and the California Group (including California, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah, and the District of Columbia). The changes resolve complaints lodged against Microsoft under the California Groups Final Judgment from November 2002.
