Frequently Asked Questions
|
1. Why is Sun taking this action? Microsoft's illegal acts have harmed the Java platform and Sun. Microsoft has unlawfully raised costs to consumers and reduced consumer choice, thus distorting the competitive marketplace to the detriment of Sun and its shareholders. Sun is seeking compensation for these illegal acts. In addition, Sun believes that Microsoft's continued anti-competitive practices in the marketplace represent a threat to lawful competition and the millions of developers who depend upon the availability of the Java platform and the existence of an open software industry. 2. Shouldn't Sun focus on its business rather than litigation? Sun's primary focus is on its business and delivering outstanding and innovative products to the market. This action is not something we decided upon lightly; we gave it considerable attention and consideration. However, because our responsibility is to guard the interests of our shareholders, employees, customers, and developers, we felt obligated to take this action in order to protect our innovations and return to a marketplace undistorted by unlawful monopoly behavior. 3. Is Sun continuing with its suit because it is dissatisfied with the resolution of the DOJ case? Sun took action because Microsoft's illegal acts have harmed Sun and its shareholders. The claims in Suns suit are significantly broader than the claims brought in the Department of Justices suit. In addition, Sun believes that Microsoft's continued anti-competitive practices in the marketplace represent a threat to the millions of developers who depend upon the availability of the Java platform and the existence of an open software industry. 4. Is this suit an attempt to propel your software effort? Sun has been hugely successful in executing its software vision. We have been in the systems software business for 20 years, and we are committed to our systems software leadership and continuing innovation. 5. What monetary damage will Sun pursue? Sun is asking to recover damages for its economic injuries, including treble damages. We are also seeking to recover the cost of our suit. We have not specified a monetary amount at this point, but we will be able to prove substantial damages. 6. How long do you expect this suit to go on? We can't speculate on the case as a whole, but we do hope that the preliminary injunction motion can be decided promptly. 7. What does Sun's lawsuit mean for the industry? This is a private antitrust lawsuit brought on behalf of Sun and its shareholders. However, if we are successful, we believe the remedies we seek will benefit consumers and the industry as a whole by restoring competition to the markets illegally monopolized by Microsoft. | |
 | |