Intel and Microsoft are doing it again

1. The Return of Vista Collusions: Will Ballmer be Deposed Soon?
2. What We Can Learn About Novell from Intel-Microsoft-Dell-Hewlett-Packard Collusions

Ultimately, Microsoft changed its mind and lowered the requirements so that PCs with those chipsets received the "Windows Vista Capable" logo -- even though they couldn't run the glossy Aero Glass interface or other signature Windows Vista features.

What did Intel CEO Paul Otellini say to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer on the phone, and what role did that conversation play in Microsoft's decision to lower the requirements for the "Windows Vista Capable" sticker?

That's one of the questions raised by the internal documents unsealed today in the class-action lawsuit over the Vista Capable program.

NUMEROUS EMAILS exchanged by Microsoft and Intel executives have revealed that the Vole knowingly cut its 'Vista Capable' PC specifications to help Intel flog rafts of cheap kit.

The email evidence surfaced in a plaintiffs' court filing (PDF) that was unsealed Thursday in the continuing 'Vista Capable' consumer class action lawsuit.

When Microsoft announced it would start the Vista Capable program three months earlier than anticipated, Intel executives, including CEO Paul Otellini, complained to Microsoft because they did not have enough high-end chipsets.

"While I do not want to discuss volume and $$ on email, it is material to our business, and we do not understand Microsoft's motivation to change the previously agreed upon date," Intel executive Renee James wrote in an e-mail.

James wrote in another e-mail that Otellini "doesn't understand why the date changed and we don't accept it is just 'labels on boxes.'"

Another filing in the case (read it here) shows that Otellini even called Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to relay his concerns.

Bill Gates Deposition Transcript

--Dana Blankenhorn