CreateDebate


Debate Info

1
5
YES NO
Debate Score:6
Arguments:4
Total Votes:7
More Stats

Argument Ratio

side graph
 
 YES (1)
 
 NO (3)

Debate Creator

PrayerFails(11165) pic



Is Microsoft a monopoly?

Should Microsoft be broken up into two or more separate companies?

 

Many users who use Windows also use much additional Windows-based software, e.g. Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer. Opponents argue that Microsoft is too reluctant to share its Windows code with them and so they cannot develop high-quality software to run on the widely used Windows platform. Others argue that Microsoft has exploited its near-monopoly over the operating systems of personal computers by integrating new features into Windows as a way of deterring users from paying potential competitors for similar software, giving away tools such as an internet browser or audio and video player in order to drive other companies out of business. It is also accused of leaning on computer makers who preload software (including Windows) on to the PCs they sell, in an effort to prevent Microsoft's competitors gaining valuable access to the desktop in this way. In consequence, Microsoft is allegedly able to reap the benefits of an effective monopoly in many cases.

YES

Side Score: 1
VS.

NO

Side Score: 5

Come one, Microsoft makes crap for products that never work.

Side: yes
3 points

According to Wikipedia, Microsoft had a revenue in 2009 of $58.437 billion.

According to Wikipedia, Apple inc. had a revenue in 2009 of $42.91 billion.

If I am not mistaken, a monopoly is where one company holds complete control over all of a product or service. Microsoft may be widespread, but it is not without rivals. As long as there are suitable rivals, Microsoft will not monopolize the computer industry. It may come close, but not entirely.

Side: No

For the most part, Microsoft is not a monopoly due to the emergence of Apple and Google. Google is a dangerously being a monopoly, more than Microsoft ever was. The European Union's preliminary antitrust investigation of Google isn't the least surprising. But the timing is shockingly foreshadowing.

However, it is difficult buy a PC without Internet Explorer or Windows installed as the default operating system and web browser.

Side: No

As a matter of legal and economic fact, Microsoft is at least "monopolistic." It has such a commanding share of the operating systems market that it can, in many respects, behave like a monopoly. But is that necessarily bad for consumers? It is manifestly bad for Microsoft's competitors, just as AT&T;'s dominance was bad for its competition. After AT&T;was broken up, companies like MCI and Sprint emerged as major competitors in the long-distance telephone service market.

Side: No