EU vs Microsoft: The US reaction

Some interesting US reaction to the EU's verdict on Microsoft, delivered yesterday, is summed up at the Washington Post today. A general thought is that even a $3bn fine - the absolute maximum fine the EU can levy on Microsoft for its abuses of monopoly power - would be good news for the software company. Why? They've got a cash pile of $49bn. The EU could do its worst (which, incidentally, it is unlikely to do anyway) and it would be little more than an irritation at Redmond. Once the EU hands down the fine, Microsoft can pay up and get on with business as usual. There's a quote I like from Forbes's Dan Ackman: "For Microsoft, the long-anticipated charges create a sense of déjà vu, which is French for déjà vu."