- Thread starter
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M
Mike M
John John <audetweld@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote:
> Yes, indeed. When the WTO's Information Technology Agreement was
> reached Microsoft had this to say:
>
> " This agreement will mean lower costs and greater access to
> innovation and technology for consumers in every nation around the
> world.
> "Eliminating tariffs on information technology products will be a
> win-win for every country and every consumer..."
> http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/dec96/ita.mspx
>
> I guess on Microsoft's map the UK is not a part of the "world". In
> view of the outrageous prices being charged by some companies the UK
> should review it's implementation of the ITA. It could allow firms
> that play fair to benefit from the zero tariffs and it should imposed
> hefty tariffs on those who would seek to fleece the consumers. By
> hefty I mean something like 1000%!
Whilst I'd like to see the UK taking such action it will never happen with
our current crop of spineless politicians (of all hues). As it is
Microsoft and the others simply laugh at us all the way to the bank.
Whilst I don't condone the use of illegal copies of software I'm one who
strongly recommends users to look to cheaper alternatives when considering
new software including flavours of Linux where appropriate, Open Office
and if they have to use Microsoft to go the OEM route. Microsoft's
limited "free" telephone support for their retail products simply isn't
worth the premium given the free public access to their KB and the
newsgroups. Similarly I recommend users to ask themselves whether they
really need or want Vista or Office 2007 and if not to stick with XP and
their earlier Office version.
--
Mike M
> Yes, indeed. When the WTO's Information Technology Agreement was
> reached Microsoft had this to say:
>
> " This agreement will mean lower costs and greater access to
> innovation and technology for consumers in every nation around the
> world.
> "Eliminating tariffs on information technology products will be a
> win-win for every country and every consumer..."
> http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/dec96/ita.mspx
>
> I guess on Microsoft's map the UK is not a part of the "world". In
> view of the outrageous prices being charged by some companies the UK
> should review it's implementation of the ITA. It could allow firms
> that play fair to benefit from the zero tariffs and it should imposed
> hefty tariffs on those who would seek to fleece the consumers. By
> hefty I mean something like 1000%!
Whilst I'd like to see the UK taking such action it will never happen with
our current crop of spineless politicians (of all hues). As it is
Microsoft and the others simply laugh at us all the way to the bank.
Whilst I don't condone the use of illegal copies of software I'm one who
strongly recommends users to look to cheaper alternatives when considering
new software including flavours of Linux where appropriate, Open Office
and if they have to use Microsoft to go the OEM route. Microsoft's
limited "free" telephone support for their retail products simply isn't
worth the premium given the free public access to their KB and the
newsgroups. Similarly I recommend users to ask themselves whether they
really need or want Vista or Office 2007 and if not to stick with XP and
their earlier Office version.
--
Mike M