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And the boys continue to fight over who’s is bigger.  I wonder if they all drive red cars?  This latest round in the Google/Microsoft bru-haha features Google wanting to hop in bed with those battling Microsoft in an effort to prove antitrust charges having to do with the software giant’s ruling of the Web browser market.

Google’s VP of product management gave the following reason for jumping into the proceedings on their company blog:

Google believes that the browser market is still largely uncompetitive, which holds back innovation for users. This is because Internet Explorer is tied to Microsoft’s dominant computer operating system, giving it an unfair advantage over other browsers. Compare this to the mobile market, where Microsoft cannot tie Internet Explorer to a dominant operating system, and its browser therefore has a much lower usage. The value of competition for users (even in the limited form we see today) is clear: tabbed browsing, faster downloads, private browsing features, and more.

I’m sure Google also likes that as party to the case going-ons, they are entitled to access to confidential documents in the case, and have the right to voice objections. 

Much of this started after the EU’s recent decision to grant third-party access to Mozilla.  Mitchell Baker, the chair of Mozilla, had raised concerns similar to Google’s and Microsoft tying IE right to the Windows OS, saying it harms competition and blocks consumer choice.

Microsoft was formally put on notice in the middle of January, after the Commission (the executive arm of the EU) did object to the bundling.  They were given two months to respond, and the case was opened up to third party involvement.  As many know, IE’s share in the browser market has been steadily sinking.  Much of that is due to the growth of popularity of Firefox, although Apple’s Safari and even Google’s Chrome are making their mark.

But this whole thing also raises the issue of the fact that this isn’t the first time Google and Microsoft have butted heads and it’s not going be the last.  Also, a computer needs some kind of default operating system.  (Even to go and get those other ones).  Now tell me when Google comes out with their Android OS they aren’t going to plunk Chrome on for the default browser.  Yeah, right.  Or, why isn’t Google going against Apple for sticking Safari on the Macs?  Yes, it’s competition.  Heck, I don’t even use IE.  But, it certainly isn’t though Google is a stranger to either anti-trust cases themselves, or doing whatever it takes to move ahead in the business.  Which is just what they are doing now.  Maybe they shouldn’t yell so loud when Microsoft does they same thing. 

I’m sure not a flag-waving fan of all things Microsoft, as anyone that has read any of my stuff on here knows.  But Google?  You aren’t always the shiny little icon of above-board business either and shouting otherwise makes you look like the pouting child.

via: CNET