Will Microsoft Settle?

Intel's last-minute deal with the Federal Trade Commission, just before the start of its major antitrust trial, has naturally led to speculation that Microsoft might also want to reconsider its epic, admit-nothing battle with the government. The presiding judge in the Microsoft trial even admonished the two opposing sides to "use your six weeks wisely" just before the current court recess began.

But a report yesterday in the Seattle Times that just such settlement talks were under way was quickly contradicted through other news outlets. The Wall Street Journal even reported that Microsoft's legal defense team has assigned one of its best lawyers to begin working on an appeal in the event that Microsoft loses its case. MORE>>