Connecticut AG looking into Google's charge against Microsoft

When Google recently charged that Microsoft was engaging in anticompetitive behavior because its Windows Vista operating system doesn't accommodate Google's Desktop Search software, the U.S. government rejected the complaint. But at least one state lawmaker is willing to investigate Google's allegations: Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut's attorney general, said Monday that he was taking Google's allegations seriously and would continue to look into the matter. Several other state attorneys general are also participating; Blumenthal's office did not put out a formal statement, but confirmed that the attorney general was working on such an investigation.

"We'd been working with state and federal antitrust officials for two years prior to the release of Windows Vista to make sure that there were no concerns about the features that were incorporated into that product," said Microsoft spokesman Jack Evans on Tuesday. "We don't believe that there are any compliance concerns with Desktop Search." Evans added that Microsoft is willing to discuss ways to resolve any issues that other parties have raised.

Google representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

Google initially voiced concerns about the then-unreleased Vista's lack of support for its Desktop Search over a year ago. In its recent complaint, the details of which were made public over the weekend, the company alleged that Vista did not permit the downloadable search application to run properly, and claimed that it showed anticompetitive behavior on Microsoft's part--in other words, that it was making it difficult for third-party applications to run in Vista.

It's a dispute with quite a backstory. After a long and heavily publicized antitrust battle with the Justice Department several years ago, Microsoft reached a settlement in 2002 that required it to open up application program interfaces and communications protocols to third-party developers so that they would be able to create applications that would run effectively in the Windows operating system. The terms of the agreement expire in November.

Microsoft, meanwhile, has been critical of Google's recent bid to purchase ad firm DoubleClick, also citing anticompetitive behavior.

[NewsReader_]

Google's claim is laughable

"difficult for third-party applications to run in Vista"

Are they kidding? 1000's of applications that were written back in the Windows 2000 timeframe run on Vista. Try again. Sounds like they are mad because Vista's desktop search is a better product.

Maybe Google should partner wil Apple or Redhat. Maybe they should try to build thier own OS. Then they can design and integrate it however they please and see how many people buy it.

Make a note of this day. It is Google's first sign of fear of Microsoft. That or a poor attempt to deflect attention from thier own antitrust issues with DoubleClick.

[Jimbo16454]

What price intellectual property

The drive for bigger and better in operating system and search engine world is seemingly pushing the big boys to issue pot shots at one another. However, what about the little companies with patented technology that these companies try to ignore or attempt to patent so as to circumvent the technology.
Check out m4siz.com and see what I mean. Their patent using the browser address bar to enhance search precision is a brilliant idea but will they be able to fight off the big boys and prove their case

[searchgod]

No Justice Only Profit

These mega corporations have no real deterrent not to infringe patents. They make billions whilst offending then get a relatively small fine compared to the profit they made as a result of the initial infringement.

Its all about profit at the end of the day and most mega corps have a history of this sort of thing. Remember Double Space ?.

Shame they seem unable to have original or revolutionary ideas themselves! Still why bother when you can steal it cheaper ;-)

As for the little guy, well even MS started somewhere. If they dont go it alone they will probably get picked up or bought out which seems to be the trend these days.