Regulation Wars: Microsoft's Big European Defeat - What Now?

The Sept. 17 ruling by Europe's second-highest court affirming a landmark 2004 antitrust order against Microsoft is no mere bump in the road for the software giant. None other than Brad Smith, Microsoft's chief counsel, put the decision into the sweeping context it merits. The case, he said, will have an "extraordinary impact" that will occupy "the thoughts and discussions of many people, not just in the weeks ahead, but in the months and years to follow." The company hasn't yet decided whether to appeal.