Microsoft's So-Called Monopoly
by Kristoffer Bohmann, August 24, 2001
Web users prefer Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser to competing browsers for one reason: It's a better product.
Web users prefer Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser to competing browsers for one reason: It's a better product.
- Installing the browser is easy for most users since it can be installed with the Windows operating system. In most cases, downloads are not required.
- Users are automatically notified about browser upgrades making it easy to stay updated with the latest technology. Also Microsoft's marketing capabilities increase the uptake of new versions.
- The browser is almost standard compliant and supports most HTML standards as defined by W3C.
- Browser features support the needs and demands most Web users have thereby creating an excellent online experience.
- Innovations are frequently introduced with valuable features for mainstream users, developers, shoppers, and others.
Of course the browser could and should improve in a number of ways. The excellent online experience can be even better - as on most ecommerce websites. But the main point is clear: Microsoft provides a great product superior to all other browsers on the market.
Absurd Arguments Against Free Markets
This is why I find it hard to understand why some commentators keep punishing Microsoft. Their absurd arguments are driven by hate of Microsoft's success:
- We want free markets. But we don't want free companies.
- Markets and mediocre companies should be free. Great companies should not (they should be regulated).
- Technological standards are good because enhance the user experience. But companies should not be allowed to own technological standards through patents and trade "secrets".
- Open source code should be used everywhere to provide "equal opportunities" for all competitors.
- We want great browsers. But we don't want to reward those who create them.
- The browser market should ultimately be regulated by bureaucrats, politicians, and the US Justice Department.
Frictionless Market is a Straw Man
This frictionless market concept is a straw man used by socialists and other haters of economic success. Capitalists will mistakenly accept the straw man if they think free markets is the ideal. It is not. Respect for individual rights and private property is the ideal.
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About the Author
Kristoffer Bohmann (biography) M.Sc. thinks and writes about high-quality user experiences. His philosophy: Users first. You can contact him at kristoffer@bohmann.dk. |
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