After months of stock madness, IT values have been severely affected by what is modestly called the US economy�s landing. We have stopped counting profit warnings, and start-up crashes. In fact, it was predictable that the incredible start-ups development would come to an end some day. Economically speaking it was a major mistake to have a company valued for virtually millions of dollars while this company was losing money on a daily basis. As a result worldwide markets ran out of steam realizing the harsh reality of our world. The NASDAQ has recently reached its lowest level for the greatest despair of investors. Worse yet, computer sales are falling down at the speed of light due to the manufacturer�s inability to energize customer�s enthusiasm about the benefits of new technologies. Last year, computers� sales dropped of 8% in the US for the first time in 15 years.

That�s why the whole computer industry and most economists see the upcoming Microsoft Windows XP launch as the Saint Grail. Windows XP, the latest baby from Redmond, can be easily identified as revolutionary. Its brand new fresh look is supposed to motivate crowds while its rich multimedia features are supposed to attract new customers. It�s no doubt that Windows XP will be a best-seller, worldwide. Compaq, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Packard-Bell and the others are counting on Windows XP to boost their sales, increasing their revenues. So the real question is: will the justice and a few diehard politicians dare, in a ridiculous attempt to have the last word, postpone the launch of Windows XP, taking the risk to strike a fatal blow to the whole IT industry and the US economy as well?

Microsoft has now blatantly proven its good will to deal with the court�s finding by changing its aggressive OEM licensing policy, adding in the latest build of Windows XP (2520) a way to remove access to Internet Explorer, and more. I won�t argue here that the initial reproaches addressed by the DOJ to Microsoft are totally unfounded: Windows consumers have never been forced with a gun to their head to make Internet Explorer the most used browser in the world. I mean, regardless of the common jealousy about Microsoft, if a product is good, it�ll be used massively. We all know politicians are capable of everything but will they be stupid enough to delay Windows XP�s launch? I personally hope the justice will work independently of any governmental/political pressures, in all peace of mind, to definitely put an end to the Microsoft Antitrust case by issuing a good, equitable settlement without killing the whole computer industry.