Microsoft Corp and government antitrust enforcers were urged by 122 US House members to end their antitrust battle as soon as possible on terms that promote competition and innovation in the software industry.
The letter was drafted by two members of Congress -- Republican Jennifer Dunn and Democrat Jay Inslee -- who represent the Seattle area where Microsoft is based.
"Now is the time for all parties to the litigation to address the remaining issues that provide some finality that protects consumers and allows American high-tech industry to innovate and prosper," said the letter signed by 66 Democrats and 56 Republicans in the US House of Representatives.
Signers included House Republican Leader Dick Armey of Texas, a frequent critic of the government's case against Microsoft, and Henry Hyde of Illinois, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
"At a time when the economy is struggling, our government should not be putting a chill on the innovative forces that drive the new economy" Dunn said in a statement. "The best thing for consumers and our economy is a quick settlement of this costly litigation." Inslee said the government and Microsoft "could benefit from realizing there is strong, bipartisan support in Congress for a quick settlement to the case." The lawmakers said they were pleased that representatives of both sides met last month to discuss the possibility of settlement.
"We write to encourage these discussions with the hope that settlement can be reached at the earliest possible date and on reasonable terms that support competition and innovation," the letter said.
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