World War 3.0: Microsoft and Its Enemies (Hardcover)

World War 3.0: Microsoft and Its Enemies by Ken Auletta documents in detail the whole saga of the USA versus Microsoft. One of four books on the company published since the trial ended, it is a thought-provoking and well-crafted analysis of the irreparable damage that Microsoft suffered over the trial period - in terms of its industry standing and in its battle to dominate the development of the Internet. The sheer aggression of the company shines through, page after page.

Microsoft in 1995 was hell-bent on "choking off the air supply" of Netscape after it had captured 80% of the browser market in its first year. Those words provided damning evidence in the US government's prosecution as Microsoft reacted to what it saw as a momentous threat to its Windows-centric world. It threatened to "crush" Netscape, unless the Silicon Valley company agreed to (an illegal) subdivision of the browser market under which Netscape would be left with 10%. When Netscape declined, Microsoft simply bought market share by bundling Internet Explorer with Windows.

In the early chapters, Auletta provides excellent narrative of how such accusations were presented in court. In particular, his description of Gates's videotaped deposition, and of the hostility shown by trial judge Thomas Penfield Jackson to Microsoft, will captivate readers. The appearance of Gates on monitors in the courtroom, rather than in person, completely back-fired and came to epitomise Microsoft's dismissive attitude to the legitimacy of the case.

Unfortunately the book loses momentum when trying to capture the well-worn life story and personality of Gates. It also exhibits considerable bias, especially when describing the performance of US prosecution's star lawyer, David Boies. These areas aside, there is much to recommend World War 3.0. Auletta provides much food for thought in assessing which of Microsoft's competitors have been able to dominate markets the company once thought were its own for the taking. The merger of AOL and Time Warner, for example, ensures that Microsoft may only play a supporting role in the multimedia content sector. And other potential winners from Microsoft's fall from grace include Sun Microsystems, VA Linux, IBM and Sony, says Auletta. But, as is clear, Microsoft gives no ground without a fight. World War 4.0 is already underway.