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Words in the News
 
Friday 19 December 2003
 
Microsoft Sued Again
 
MicrosoftMicrosoft, the computer software giant created by the Bill Gates, is the target of new legal action. A rival American company RealNetworks says that Microsoft is unfairly controlling the market for software for online video and audio software. This report from Andrew Walker:
 
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Microsoft's leading product, called Windows, dominates the world market for personal computer operating systems, the basic programmes that enable a PC to use specific applications such as email and the internet. RealNetworks complains that customers using Windows get Microsoft's programmes for watching video or listening to sound from the internet, whether they want them or not. At the same time, the company alleges Microsoft restricts how computer manufacturers can install rival software.

RealNetworks accuses Microsoft of pursuing a broad course of predatory conduct over a period of years. The result, according to RealNetworks, has been that it has lost substantial revenue and business. Microsoft has rejected the allegations. In a statement the software giant said that there is vibrant competition in the market for online media software. It also said that that this is a case where a leading firm - RealNetworks - is trying to use the law to protect and increase its market share and to limit the competition it must face.

Andrew Walker, BBC Economics Correspondent

 
 
ListenListen to the words
 
leading
 
best-selling
 
alleges
 
says that something is true although it hasn’t been legally proven
 
rival
 
competing; something that does the same thing, but from a different company
 
pursuing
 
following
 
predatory conduct
 
business behaviour designed not only for success, but also to weaken or destroy other companies
 
substantial
 
very large
 
rejected the allegations
 
said that it wasn’t true
 
vibrant competition
 
healthy business environment for different companies
 
market share
 
percentage of sales
 
 
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