People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

So, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has finally succeeded in its attempt to have Microsoft unbundle from Windows 95.

Last week, Microsoft was temporarily knocked back in its dispute with the DoJ, as the software giant agreed to offer systems builders an up-to-date and fully functional version of Windows 95 with its browser.

The ruling must have brought joy to the hearts of Windows smashers, who were no doubt glued to their TVs.

Never mind that the fine barely registers on Microsoft's daily profit figures, it seems the war with the software giant has truly begun in earnest.

Goliath is hit - quick, get some more pebbles.

As the latest developments come to light, it makes you wonder what is going to happen in Europe, and more specifically, how all this will affect the channel. Does this mean we will be able to call a Netscape account manager? Perhaps alternative operating systems from a wide distribution model?

You can also add to the wish list cohesive dealer marketing strategies, effective product pull from the user and simple channel sales models.

After writing all these down, keep them in a drawer and bring them out next year for review - but don't bother taking the top off your pen.

Channel strategies from a lot of software companies stink. They are often badly thought through, poorly communicated, and sometimes just unworkable. Most of the time, Mr Reseller Limited is left out of pocket and let down, except, strangely enough, by Microsoft.

And on the customer perspective, Microsoft's continual efforts to ensure its brand is advertised throughout the UK means that closing software enquiries is easy as long as you know the portfolio. Get the message competitors?

You have to wonder how Microsoft will be thwarted in its relentless drive in taking a larger share of the software market. As we all know, it's not necessarily the company which produces the best product, but the one with the best business model that wins the day.

Microsoft has a clued up, cohesive marketing function that performs what no other competitor can boast - quantifiable performance.

A Microsoft fan I am certainly not, but at the same time, what on earth do people think the blatant encouragement of rivals to stick the boot in through the courts is going to do to the industry?

All I can see is a continuation of sales promotion projects disguised as marketing strategies, which communicate clumsily and sell only to the gullible. And another year where Microsoft increases its share of the PC software market, while competitors lie down meekly and stick their legs in the air, or forget how to market to the channel.

As for bringing better products for the market? Fat chance.

Peter Crane is marketing manager at PSM Micro Computers.