Microsoft Timeline

27 Pages 6746 Words

October 1997 – In October of 1997, the Justice Department sued the Microsoft Corporation, alleging the software maker required computer manufacturers to ship Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser on PCs loaded with Windows 95. Attorney General Janet Reno also asks a federal court to impose penalties of $1 million per day.In December of that same year, U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issued a preliminary injunction forcing Microsoft to stop, at least temporarily, requiring manufacturers who sell Windows 95 to install Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Microsoft appealed. In May of 1998, regulators from the Justice Department and 20 states launch one of the biggest antitrust assaults of the century, accusing Microsoft of using its dominance in computer software to drive competitors out of business. The filing comes after negotiations between the government and Microsoft officials break down

Nov. 5, 1999 - U.S. District Court judge finds that Microsoft holds monopoly power in the market for PC operating systems, and the company's actions harmed consumers.

Nov. 19, 1999 - District Court judge appoints federal appeals judge, Richard Posner, to serve as a mediator to handle the negotiations between Microsoft and the government.

April 1, 2000 - Judge Posner announces the end of negotiations between Microsoft and the government after four fruitless months of talks, setting the stage for a verdict by Judge Jackson.

April 3, 2000 - Judge Jackson rules Microsoft violated the nation's antitrust laws by using its monopoly power in personal computer operating systems to stifle competition.

April 28, 2000 - The Justice Department and a group of state attorneys general ask Judge Jackson to split Microsoft into two separate companies: one devoted to the Windows operating system, and the second to Microsoft's other businesses, including popular software applications such as Microsoft Office.

Sept. 26, 2000 - In a victory ...