Restrict Bundling of Internet Explorer

The courts may decide to rule that Microsoft's policy of forcing OEMs to include Internet Explorer with the Windows operating system violates the consent decree governing Microsoft's contracts with OEMs. Such a decision would require Microsoft to offer distributors the option of licensing Windows without Internet Explorer.

This option has the advantage of stopping Microsoft's questionable use of operating system market power to gain ground in the web browser market. Furthermore, it gives Microsoft free rein, for the most part, in developing and marketing new products and adding new features to existing products, encouraging continued innovation by the market leader.

This option is not without its disadvantages, however. It would not, for example, take any action relating to other present and future anti-competitive Microsoft practices, nor would it deal with the likely further integration of Internet Explorer into Windows 98 and Windows NT. While perhaps this resolution would allow competitors in the web browser market to gain temporary purchase, the option does not address the larger issues relating to Microsoft's near-monopoly in personal-computer operating systems.