Google complaint gets short shrift from Microsoft antitrust judge

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 27 June 2007 02:46

Business IT - Technology

US District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly appears set to leave the desktop search issues raised by Google in the hands of federal and state authorities as they are the plaintiffs in the Microsoft antitrust case.

While Kollar-Kotelly has deferred her decision on Google's request to extend the term of the consent decree beyond November 2007, she made it clear that Google has no standing in the case and that it is up to the federal and state governments to represent consumers' interests.

Google's complaint concerns the way Vista's Instant Search feature makes it difficult for users to opt for an alternative desktop search product. Microsoft recently reached an agreement with the governments involved in the antitrust case to make some changes to accommodate software like Google Desktop.

Much like an earlier compromise over Internet Explorer, Instant Search will remain in place and active, while a user's selected third-party search tool will be given greater visibility. Google believes thus does not go far enough.

It seems unlikely that the authorities will take up Google's argument, as they have only just agreed that Microsoft's proposed changes adequately address the issue of desktop search. Unless Microsoft drags its heels on the implementation of the changes, there is no obvious reason why they would change their minds.