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Google Wins a Round Against Microsoft

California AG Gets Microsoft to Change Vista Search

June 20, 2007 

Google, based in California's Silicon Valley, had complained that Vista's search function -- called "Instant Search" -- put Google and other independent search providers at a competitive disadvantage.

Details of Microsoft’s agreement were outlined in a joint status report that was filed in federal district court regarding the company’s compliance with a 2002 antitrust Final Judgment.

“This agreement -- while not perfect -- is a positive step towards greater competition in the software industry. It will enhance the ability of consumers to select the desktop search tool of their choice,” Brown said.

Google argued that desktop search in Windows Vista is a “Microsoft Middleware Product” (MMP) and is therefore subject to the Final Judgment in the 2002 case. The state contended that Vista’s desktop search feature is functionality that did not exist in prior Windows operating systems and is therefore covered under the Final Judgment.

Under the proposed solution, Microsoft will provide users and "original equipment manufacturers," such as HP or Dell, with greater flexibility to choose and access competing desktop search products. Microsoft has promised to deliver the required changes in a beta Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista, which Microsoft currently anticipates will be available by the end of the year.

Brown announced the agreement in conjunction with Microsoft, the United States Department of Justice and Plaintiffs in the New York Group (including New York, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin) and the California Group (including California, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah, and the District of Columbia). The changes resolve complaints lodged against Microsoft under the California Group’s Final Judgment from November 2002.

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