Justice, Microsoft Back At It

Fresh from the holiday weekend, the Justice Department is back barking under Microsoft's window with court filings late Monday that accuse Microsoft of "jerry-rigging its own products" to thumb its nose at the standing unbundling order. It's certainly a familiar accusation, and so was Microsoft's curt reply: "We are complying with the court's order in good faith."

This time, Justice recruited some outside help: a sheaf of clippings on the case from the cyberpress. Prominently featured in the filing was this quote from Computer Reseller News: "(Microsoft) is apparently on a mission to make Judge Thomas Penfield's order . . . look foolish." But the wheels of Justice have found no traction with investors; after gaining more than five points Monday, Microsoft stock ballooned another three points in morning trading.