Judge declares Microsoft a 'monopoly'

A federal judge has ruled that Microsoft wielded monopoly power to stifle competition and innovation, dealing the software giant a major setback in its struggle with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issued a scathing 207-page critique of the software company's business practices, finding that Microsoft had abused its position to harm consumers and rivals.

The findings sent Microsoft stock plummeting and spawned widespread speculation that the company may seek an out-of-court settlement in the ongoing antitrust case.

A full analysis of the ruling appears at

www.zdnn.com , and in-depth audio coverage, featuring statements by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, is available on-demand at www.zdtv.com/radio .