According to Bloomberg, Microsoft is talking to Apple to avoid a challenge to a planned $1.1 billion antitrust settlement the computer maker claims gives Microsoft an unfair advantage in the education market.
“Microsoft has agreed to settle California consumer lawsuits accusing it of violating state antitrust law and driving up software prices. Apple, whose sales to U.S. schools fell 15 percent last year, says the agreement that would give Microsoft products to California schools amounts to unfair competition. The talks indicate that Microsoft is seeking to prevent a prolonged battle to win court approval for the settlement, analysts say. Apple’s complaints helped derail a proposed Microsoft settlement in 2001. By insisting the new agreement provide only cash, Apple is trying to protect its sales to schools. Microsoft says the settlement is fair.”
Full story here.
