Group says Microsoft must open Windows

A leading research firm says Microsoft should be forced to publish its Windows source code as punishment for its monopolistic practices.

Ed Thompson, an analyst for Gartner Group, says Microsoft should release the parts of the source code that interact with Windows APIs (Application Programming Interface) that determine exactly how individual applications will interact with the overall platform.

"They could even just publish the source code for Internet Explorer and then people could develop their own versions," he said. "This would put all manufacturers on an equal footing."

Splitting Microsoft into different divisions would not be practical, nor would it benefit consumers, he said.

Microsoft denied a supposed admission from Bill Gates during a recent interview that the company might be willing to open up some of its Windows code as a way to resolve the government's case against the company.

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