"Oslo, Norway-based Opera Software's stance against Microsoft on the topic of Web browser competition is very well known, especially after having filed an antitrust complaint against it in December 2007. Microsoft's latest move could give Opera a bit of a break. But as Opera CEO Jon S. von Tetzchner told Betanews this evening from overseas, he sees this move as a positive signal, but not anywhere close to a reparation for the years of damage he believes Internet Explorer has caused to the browser market, as well as to the Web as a whole.
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Betanews: Is there any opportunity here, assuming that this state of affairs is carried forth into the final Windows 7, for Opera to be able to do some education of the general public, to say, "Okay, folks, you now see that it's possible for you to take that step back. Now let's give you a bit of hand-holding, and we'll show you how you can take a step forward?"
Von Tetzchner: I think in a way, the real question is, is it okay that Microsoft includes the browser with [the operating system]? We have some laws when it comes to antitrust, and the question is, do you like antitrust laws [and regulation]?...A lot of people may like or dislike, when they're watching a game of football, the referees; but I don't think anyone would like to get rid of the referees in any kind of game. It's to ensure that games are being played fairly. The same applies here with regards to competition law. I think, in a way, when it comes down to it, this is about making sure that consumers continue to have a choice.
The fact that Microsoft has managed to get the position they have in the browser market, I don't think anyone would argue that they would have gotten there without tying the browser to the operating system. Otherwise, I guess it would be no issue for them to actually just take the browser out.
So I think the important thing here is, it's a good thing for consumers. Consumers will have choice in browsers, and hopefully the result of this will be that consumers will be given an equal choice of browsers, starting with the operating system. Having Microsoft install and be able to remove the icon -- which is, basically, what this is about in a more formalized matter -- is good, but it's not the solution."
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Okay, I think this business is getting way out of hand.
I think Microsoft are 100% entitled to include whatever programs they want in their operating system, be it browsers, music players, etc.
There has been spent a lot of money on making this OS package where people have everything from the start, and I think if people were to make a decision on what programs they wanted in their OS, many would be confused and annoyed that the product they paid for, didn't offer what they expected.
I think the approach Microsoft has taken with Windows 7 is perfect for them. It's not like the widespread use of IE has stopped FireFox from gaining ground in the browser market, and this Opera CEO is probably pissed that they haven't been able to do the same.
Don't get me wrong though, I'm a FireFox man myself, and I don't think IE7 is a good browser, but this is getting out of hand.
no more wolds
