Microsoft Backs Apple

Wednesday, August 6, 1997 by Dave Winer.

CNBC and News.com and various wire services report that Microsoft is making a $150 million non-voting equity investment in Apple.

Details on the deal, from Chris Gorski, gorskic@concentric.net:

Microsoft's AAPL shares purchased at market price and held for at least 3 years.

All Apple/Microsoft patent disputes are over. Both companies may cross-license each other's patents for the next five years.

Microsoft makes 5 year commitment to same number of Mac Office releases as Windows releases. Next release called Office 98 released near the end of the year.

Microsoft Internet Explorer becomes the Mac's default browser, though you will be able to change this.

Jobs says: We must give up this idea that for Apple to win, Microsoft must lose.

Stay tuned. Links coming soon at http://www.scripting.com/.

Dave Winer