Archive of UserLand's first discussion group, started October 5, 1998.

Re: scriptingNews outline for 3/3/00

Author:ironpath
Posted:3/3/2000; 6:10:35 PM
Topic:scriptingNews outline for 3/3/00
Msg #:15395 (In response to 15387)
Prev/Next:15394 / 15396

In fact, I'd argue that Amazon's usage of patents to combat competition is just as misguided as Netscape's release of their browser as open source.

Hello Dave,

I think there's a difference between pre-emptive offensive strikes through patent warfare, and desperate survival tactics like opening up the browser to forestall a looming all MS client side environment.

Microsoft had already eliminated the ability to charge for a modern, feature packed web browser by subsidizing the development costs with profits from cash cow os and application products. Netscape tried a similar strategy, funding client development with a web site and server products, and in retrospect seriously whiffed vs. yahoo and microsoft.

So, strapped of cash to fund a loss leading product, they dropped back and punted (to paraphrase Mike McCue). I can't see how this was misguided or anti-competive in any fashion. What am I missing? A full featured, standards compliant, and open source browser seems to be "ask what you can do for the internet" exemplified!

Regards,
Eric J Altman

ps: I read Tim's follow up and he seemed to be more skeptical towards Jeff than you portray him to be, plus he had some constructive non-patent ideas for Amazon. I don't think he drank the kool aid yet.



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