Microsoft: To Network or Not?

According to published reports, Microsoft Corporation is making contingency plans to remove its new online software from Windows 95, just in case the Department of Justice imposes an injunction that prevents the company from bundling the software.

Microsoft officials have stated that they will not voluntarily unbundle Microsoft Network (MSN) from Windows 95. The DOJ is exploring whether the bundling arrangement will give the Redmond, Washington, software giant an unfair competitive advantage over online service rivals CompuServe, America Online, Prodigy, and others.

Windows 95 is slated for an August 24 launch. The new 32-bit version of Windows initially will target small-business and home users. Corporate sites are not expected to migrate to Windows 95 until mid-1996.