In a commitment made on July 19, Microsoft announced that it would allow computer manufacturers to set Google or other non-Microsoft search engines as the default in the Windows Vista version.
However, it appears that Microsoft will still integrate competing search services with Google into the Windows Vista version. This has raised concerns among observers that both companies could find themselves in a legal battle reminiscent of the “browser wars” between Microsoft and Netscape that erupted in the late 1990s.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Senior Vice President, stated that the company is committed to creating a “transparent” system that allows for open competition among software developers and computer manufacturers, thereby providing more choices for customers.
