Every so often, things on the antitrust front break Microsoft’s way ... The Justice Department doesn’t agree with Google’s informal complaint regarding MSN Search as the default in Internet Explorer 7. Google contends the default gives Microsoft an unfair advantage and that changing defaults requires too many steps. DOJ regulators tested IE 7 and found otherwise, saying the implementation respects user and OEM defaults, and that the default is “easily changed.”
Frost & Sullivan analyst Mukul Krishna told newsfactor.com: “Going forward, we’re looking at a very cutthroat market. ... It’s very ugly.”
Update: Should have noted that MSFT isn’t completely in the clear with DOJ; U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today approved an agreement beween the company and Justice that extends some antitrust oversight for at least two years. WSJ has more.
Related: Google Objects To MSFT’s Default To MSN Search For New IE