[Ardence]

1) Microsoft can't screw over another company because the other company is selling products besides Microsoft's products.

2) Microsoft has to provide all of its distributers, etc. with the same deal. (i.e., no playing favorites).

3) Microsoft has to reveal its API used in Microsoft Middleware. (Imagine that Microsoft built a car with two gas tanks, and that Microsoft sold gas along with other companies. Gas tank A, only Microsoft knows about. Gas tank B, everyone else knows about. Gas tank A uses gas more efficiently while Gas tank B uses gas less efficiently. Users prefer more "efficient" Microsoft Gas.)

The rest deals with the details. I don't consider it too important.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Why can't Microsoft still restrict access, hide APIs and set up questionable business practices under the guise of protecting "security, anti-virus, licensing, authentication and Digital Rights"?

[BurbankKarl]

MS still survived longer than most their competitors....of course, I am surprised AOL still isnt blaming their woes on MSFT, including booking fake ad revenue and sucking the company dry with their greed.

[bobwoodard]

The problem is that decree give MS a huge out with regards to APIs:

J. No provision of this Final Judgment shall:
...
2. Prevent Microsoft from conditioning any license of any API, Documentation or Communications Protocol related to anti-piracy systems, anti-virus technologies, license enforcement mechanisms, authentication/authorization security, or third party intellectual property protection mechanisms of any Microsoft product to any person or entity on the requirement that the licensee:

• (a) has no history of software counterfeiting or piracy or willful violation of intellectual property rights,
• (b) has a reasonable business need for the API, Documentation or Communications Protocol for a planned or shipping product,
• (c) meets reasonable, objective standards established by Microsoft for certifying the authenticity and viability of its business,
• (d) agrees to submit, at its own expense,any computer program using such APIs, Documentation or Communication Protocols to third-party verification, approved by Microsoft, to test for and ensure verification and compliance with Microsoft specifications for use of the API or interface, which specifications shall be related to proper operation and integrity of the systems and mechanisms identified in this paragraph.

I just can't imagine MS agreeing that (a) and (b) would allow Open Source development to take place. Who's going to pass (c) and how many Open Source projects are going to work with (d)?