Microsoft Ruling Could Spur Innovation
If Microsoft is broken up, Microsoft
programmers in one division would no longer have exclusive access to
software interfacing secrets known in the other division. The free
sharing of information that will result should spur a technological
boom in software for the Windows operating system, says Dr. Nigel
Horspool, chair of the computer science department.
As it stands, Microsoft doesn't have to reveal plans for new features in its Windows operating system. Horspool says this can pose difficulties for innovative programmers in other companies whose software depends on the Windows.
"If Microsoft is broken up it will be good for Canadian companies like Corel because it will give them a chance to compete in areas where they had trouble before," says Horspool. "That's better for consumers because there is a greater possibility for new products and at lower prices."
As it stands, Microsoft doesn't have to reveal plans for new features in its Windows operating system. Horspool says this can pose difficulties for innovative programmers in other companies whose software depends on the Windows.
"If Microsoft is broken up it will be good for Canadian companies like Corel because it will give them a chance to compete in areas where they had trouble before," says Horspool. "That's better for consumers because there is a greater possibility for new products and at lower prices."
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Media contacts
>Dr. font Horspool (Computer Science) at (250) 721-7227