Microsoft Corp received a letter from six state attorneys general expressing concern that the largest software maker's new Windows XP operating system could "lead to further erosion of competition" in the industry.
The letter, dated Sept. 20, was sent to Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and was signed by the attorneys general of Vermont, Arkansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
None of these states is a party to the antitrust lawsuit brought against Microsoft by the US Justice Department and 18 states.
Windows XP, the latest version of the Microsoft operating-system software that runs 90 percent of all personal computers, will go on sale Oct. 25. The program rolls in new functions such as instant messaging and software to download video and digital music.
Antitrust enforcers have said they might seek changes in XP to prevent Microsoft from consolidating its Windows monopoly.
"We are concerned that Windows XP may involve additional unlawful attempts by Microsoft to maintain its operating system monopoly," the letter said.
Vivek Varma, a spokesman for Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, said the company had received the letter and declined to comment further. None of the attorneys general could be reached to comment. The letter was originally written by Jeffrey Modisett, a former Indiana attorney general whose current employer represents Microsoft rival AOL Time Warner Inc, Associated Press reported Saturday. Modisett declined to comment on Monday.
AOL Time Warner has criticized Windows XP for promoting Microsoft's MSN Internet service at the expense of competing services, such as AOL's America Online.
Earlier this year, a federal appeals court overturned a ruling that would have split Microsoft in two and ordered new hearings on remedies to prevent the company from stifling competition.
Last week, the Justice Department and the 18 states that sued Microsoft urged a federal judge to start remedy hearings on Feb. 4 Holding remedy hearings three months after the release of Windows XP makes it less likely that the government will seek changes to the software, antitrust experts said.
Last week's letter said the six states support the efforts of the states and Justice Department to examine Windows XP in the remedy phase of the case.
Dell Computer Corp, Compaq Computer Corp, and Gateway Inc said they began shipping personal computers today with Microsoft Corp's new Windows XP operating system, which may become the subject of antitrust hearings.
The PC makers began accepting orders for Windows XP-equipped computers earlier this month on their Web sites, company spokespeople said. Retail stores will be selling PCs with the new software beginning on Oct. 25, Microsoft's official launch date.
"We're shipping [Monday]," Gateway spokeswoman Lisa Emard said. "If someone orders a system, with express delivery, they could get it the next day."
The US Justice Department and regulators in 18 states have said they may seek changes in XP, the latest version of the Windows operating system, to prevent Microsoft from consolidating its Windows monopoly. Windows is used in 90 percent of the world's personal computers. Hearings on proposals to restrict Microsoft's business practices may begin in February, according to court papers.
PC makers weren't expecting Windows XP to bring a big leap in sales even before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that leveled the World Trade Center in New York City and damaged the Pentagon near Washington. Since the attacks, many analysts have said consumers aren't in the mood to buy PCs and have lowered their sales estimates.
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