HUMOR?: Microsoft Given Control of All .net Domain Names

From: Paul Hughes (paul@planetp.cc)
Date: Mon Aug 07 2000 - 20:17:53 MDT


Original Story at: http://bbspot.com/News/2000/8/net_domains.html

Geneva - U.N. arbitrators today decided in favor of Microsoft in
    a ruling against companies "cybersquatting" on .net domain
    names. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
    ruling means that all internet addresses ending in .net will now be
    transferred to Microsoft.

                  Microsoft announced its .NET strategy last
                  month and says it "will provide easier, more
                  personalized and more productive Internet
                  experiences by harnessing constellations of
    smart devices and Web sites with advanced software through
    Internet protocols and formats." As part of its .NET strategy
    Microsoft also petitioned the WIPO for control of all .net domain
    names.

    "It's a great victory for Microsoft," said CEO Steve Ballmer,
    "These companies are trying to capitalize on the .net strategy that
    Microsoft created. They are using our marketing dollars for their
    own gain. This is America and that sort of thing isn't supposed to
    happen. We commend WIPO on the decision they made and feel
    that this is in the best interest of the consumer."

    The ruling will take effect immediately. Microsoft has announced
    that from now on all .net addresses will be redirected to
    microsoft.net. All email addresses ending in .net will cease to
    exist, and Microsoft is recommending those users use its Hotmail
    internet email service.

    US arbitrator Simon West said, "While some of these companies
    like AT&T have legitimate claims, they fail to realize that
    Microsoft's .net strategy is bringing the next generation of
    windows services to the internet."

    In a separate ruling Microsoft was also given rights to
    bloatware.com, vaporware.com and monopoly.com. In addition
    to the Microsoft rulings, Rush Limbaugh was given control of
    bigfatidiot.com.



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