Nine states seeking stiff antitrust sanctions against the software giant cited a Jan. 3, 1999, e-mail to Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates outlining a plan to use the dominant Windows operating system to promote Microsoft's Netshow media streaming software over that offered by RealNetworks Inc.
Microsoft executive Anthony Bay urged Gates to "reposition streaming media battle from Netshow vs. Real to Windows vs. Real" and "follow the (Internet Explorer) strategy wherever appropriate."
The nine states have rejected a proposed settlement of the four-year-old landmark case, saying it is too weak to prevent Microsoft from continuing to abuse its Windows monopoly.
Source: Reuters