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Microsoft issues subpoenas
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September 9, 1998: 8:35 p.m. ET
Software giant requests wide range of information from competitors
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Microsoft Corp. has undertaken a subpoena blitz over the past week, seeking a wide range of documents from competitors. The software giant says the documents will help defend it against charges Microsoft attempted to stifle innovation at several competitors.
The company revealed Wednesday that it has subpoenaed Apple Computer Inc., IBM Corp. (IBM) , Novell Inc.(NOVL), Oracle Corp. (ORCL) and Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW)
Microsoft is seeking documents related to any communication or meetings between Microsoft and the companies involving efforts to develop new computer technologies.
Company spokesman Adam Sohn said the subpoenas were issued as part of the company's effort to defend itself against new charges the Justice Department added Sept. 1 to its antitrust case against the company. That trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 22.
The new charges center around allegations by competitors that Microsoft (MSFT) tried to pressure certain competitors, including Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL), Intel Corp.(INTC) and RealNetworks Inc. (RNWK), out of certain segments of the software industry.
Sohn said if the trial is broadened to include these new charges, Microsoft will request a six-month delay.
Scott McNealy, chairman of Sun Microsystems Inc., said he believes Justice should broaden its case to include Java and other matters.
"Microsoft is a monopoly -- that's pure and simple in my view. There's no question that Microsoft is able to breach a contract because they have monopoly power. I believe that would be a very positive step forward in the Microsoft case," McNealy said.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson ordered Microsoft to turn over communications between its top officials and Intel Corp. and Apple Computer
The subpoenas require the companies to submit the requested information by Friday.
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