Microsoft Still Enjoys Public Favor
Gallup | at | by Mike
Last week, an appeals court judge overturned a lower court ruling that would have divided Microsoft into two companies. In the wake of this decision, a new Gallup poll finds public sentiment about Microsoft little changed over the past several years. While relatively few people have followed the case closely, most Americans hold a favorable view of the company and think that Microsoft's domination of the software markets has been mostly good for the economy, consumers, and the computer industry. These views are even more positive among the "attentive public" -- those who say they have followed the case closely. Overall, 60% of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of Microsoft, while just 17% have an unfavorable opinion, and 23% are unsure. The attentive public is also more supportive of Microsoft in the lawsuit. Among all Americans, 34% say the case should be dropped. Americans are also upbeat about the effect of Microsoft on the economy, consumers, and the industry -- more than six in 10 say the company's domination of the software markets in each area has been positive. (First read on ActiveWin)