[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 95 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MICROSOFT'S ``OPEN PLATFORM PRINCIPLES'' ANNOUNCEMENT

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                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I commend Microsoft's announcement today 
that it will adopt a set of ``Open Platform Principles'' that will 
govern the development of Windows desktop operating systems.
  Four years ago, the Justice Department rejected calls to force 
Microsoft to remove code out of Windows and to reorganize its business. 
Instead, the department adopted a consent decree setting out basic 
rules to preserve competitive opportunities for other companies, while 
ensuring that Microsoft could continue to improve its products. As a 
result, the U.S. software industry is thriving with competition and 
innovation.
  The ``Open Platform Principles'' that Microsoft announced today give 
me tremendous confidence that innovation and competition will continue. 
The principles broaden the Department's consent decree and makes them a 
standard part of how Microsoft does business. They give every company, 
large and small, confidence that they will be treated fairly and can 
compete equally.
  In 2004, the European Commission ordered Microsoft to delete code out 
of Windows. To the commission's shock, absolutely no one bought this 
substandard version of Windows. The commission now appears intent on 
actively managing how Microsoft designs Vista, its new platform. 
Microsoft's new guiding principles ensure that Windows will continue to 
be a great platform for innovation and competition. The fact that 
Microsoft adopted these principles voluntarily shows that it recognizes 
the important responsibilities that come with being an industry leader. 
I congratulate Microsoft for taking this important and forward-looking 
step.

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