The Justice Department said Tuesday it doesn't plan to complete its antitrust investigation of Microsoft Corp.'s new online service and Windows 95 before the software is released on Aug. 24.
The department is examining whether Microsoft's decision to combine Microsoft Network access software with Windows 95 will give the company an unfair advantage over existing online services, such as CompuServe Inc. or America Online Inc.There's been considerable speculation within the computer industry that the department would have to decide before the Aug. 24 launch of Windows 95 whether to sue Microsoft. Industry experts say it would be easier and less expensive for Microsoft to rewrite the software code and separate the online service from Windows 95 prior to the program's public release.
However, Microsoft went into final production of Windows 95 last month, making such a rewrite less likely.
The Justice Department declined to tip its hand on whether or not it will bring a case against Microsoft, saying only its investigation "is ongoing."
"We are pleased the Justice Department decided not to challenge the August 24 launch of Windows 95 with the Microsoft Network access feature," said Microsoft spokesman Greg Shaw. The company is proceeding "full speed ahead" with the launch.