Microsoft slapped down by judge; will request dismissal

In a stunning legal defeat for Microsoft Corporation, Judge Thomas PenfieldJackson has ordered the company to turn over its source code for Windows 98to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). He also ordered CEO Bill Gates,and sixteen other Microsoft executives, to appear for questioning as oftenas the government requests. Previously, Gates said he would only be available for a single day of questioning and the company only wanted eightexecutives to appear.

"[I will not impose] a time restraint on the length of time Mr. Gates may be deposed," Jackson said.

But Microsoft didn't take the action in stride: Instead, the softwarebehemoth will ask the court on Monday to immediately dismiss the anti-trustcase filed against it by the DOJ. Microsoft attorneys say the company hasevidence that disproves the DOJ's accusations. The expected defense: ThatMicrosoft planned to include Internet integration in Windows before thecompany Netscape was even created. The proof: Score of memos from Microsoftexecutives and programmers such as Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, David Pollen,Brad Silverberg, and others discussing Internet integration plans. The DOJspecifically accuses Microsoft's of trying to destroy Netscape when itbecame obvious, after the fact, that the Internet was taking off.

"We believe the Court can resolve this case now without the need for an expensive and time-consuming trial," said William H. Neukom, senior lawyerfor Microsoft. "The facts established in discovery show that the government's claims are without merit.