Discussion: Strategic Behavior Oligopolies

An interesting example of strategic behavior comes from a 1997 article about Microsoft's investment in Apple (New Straits Times, 1997). The article is included in the Required Readings list. Facing tough anti-trust scrutiny from government agencies, Microsoft provided financial support to Apple in order to ensure Apple's survival and, therefore, to ensure that competitiveness in the industry remains. Moreover, the partnership with Apple provided an additional market for Microsoft's products - the MS Office and the IE products were to be bundled with the MAC OS as one of the conditions for this financing. Discuss this case in the context of market structure and strategic behavior. What market structure do these firms operate in? Why did Microsoft need to preserve competitiveness in the industry? What was Microsoft afraid of in the event that Apple did not survive?

Guided Response: In 300 words or more, please, provide your response to the above discussion question. Further, do you think Microsoft regrets taking action in light of Apple's performance today? Respond substantively to at least two of your classmates' postings. Substantive responses use theory, research, and experience or examples to support ideas and further the class knowledge on the discussion topic.