June 13, 2009
Software giant Microsoft is writing a very large check to the state of Mississippi as part of a $100 million anti-trust settlement. The settlement order was approved by Hinds County Chancery Court and settles claims stemming from a suit filed by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood in 2004.
Microsoft has settled suits in 21 states. This is the largest cash payment made to a state government.
The amount to be paid by Microsoft will be broken down as follows:
• The state will receive $40 million within 40 days.
• The state will receive up to $60 million in hardware/software vouchers for consumers, businesses, all county/local/municipal government entities, public schools and public school districts.
• The state will receive up to $8 million if all vouchers are not claimed.
All Mississippi residents, businesses, county/local governments or schools that purchased Microsoft products or computers containing Microsoft products between January 1, 1996 and June 11, 2009 will be eligible to receive a voucher of $12 or $5, depending on which products were purchased. The vouchers can be used towards the purchase of any software or hardware product.
Software qualifying for $12 vouchers includes: Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. The software qualifying for $5 vouchers includes: Application Products (i.e. Office, Word, Excel), MS-DOS, Windows 1.xx-3.xx Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
The state says a claims administrator will attempt to notify all purchasers, review voucher claims, and distribute vouchers. Individuals claiming to have purchased Microsoft software or a computer containing Microsoft software will have to send a sworn statement verifying the purchase. Most high-volume purchasers, such as businesses, local governments and schools, will have a licensing agreement to verify purchases.
I hope all Mississippi residents, businesses, schools county and local governments will obtain a voucher for each computer or Microsoft software they purchased and use the voucher(s) as a discount on the purchase of any type of software or hardware, said Hood. Additionally, the money that will be going into the state coffers will really help in this economically challenged time.
Microsoft is pleased to reach this resolution with the State of Mississippi and with our customers in Mississippi, said Steve Aeschbacher, Microsoft Associate General Counsel. We look forward to working with the State on issues of mutual concern going forward
