Yesterday we wrote about Microsoft's attempt to 'consume' ODF. Joining the skepticism now is the man behind the open source definition and a vocal critic of Novell's deal with Microsoft. Bruce Perens does not trust Microsoft, either. He explains why.
Microsoft was also present at IETF meetings around that time, and was enthusiasticaly gaming the system. I remember one Microsoft attorney with three assistants who were each feeding "audience" questions at the attorney's direction.
Organizations like Sun, which ran a large standards department, were tremendously concerned with Microsoft's attempts to game the system at the time.
Microsoft is no newcomer to the standards business. Protests otherwise on their behalf are insincere.
Until now there has been no attempt to regulate the Brussels lobbying process or to open it up to public scrutiny.
When the E.U. embarks on a reform of technology-related laws, or when its executive body, the European Commission takes on an industry titan like Microsoft in an antitrust battle, an army of lobbyists gets to work in an effort to influence events.
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"A compulsory register would be better," McGann said, although he stressed this is his own opinion and not the official position of EICTA. "You will never stop the more corrupt element in Brussels lobbying without a compulsory list," he added.
Comments
Andre
2008-06-24 18:22:48
Ha! A lobby register puts only the small and informal players at a competitive disadvantage, and an EICTA slave would make the work for Mark McGann. Large lobby associations have no problem to present their work and provide clean data.
The only information that matters is; who are your top three clients.
I don't think a lobby register would have prevented McGann's astroturfing in the software patent debate.
But, ehm, I mean the Stubb lobby report is out. So let's say something nice. McGann may be against ruthless lobbying and may believe he should be fired and advocate for world peace.
Roy Schestowitz
2008-06-24 19:07:42
Also see: