Conflict over PDF creation in Microsoft Office
posted by Sarah
[Updated to clarify OpenOffice reference and add link to Gilbane discussion]

This is a very odd story. I read the entire Wall Street Journal article that's referenced, and I still don't understand.

Here's the core of the matter:

Adobe wants Microsoft to remove the [PDF creation] feature and offer it separately for a fee. Microsoft has agreed to remove the feature but is unwilling to charge for it, [Microsoft general counsel Brad] Smith said.

"Adobe has threatened antitrust action unless Microsoft agrees to raise its prices, in particular for the software that would allow Microsoft Office users to save a document in the Adobe PDF format," he said.

An Adobe spokeswoman said that Adobe wouldn't comment on specific talks with Microsoft, but in general said that Adobe Chief Executive Bruce Chizen has publicly expressed concern about the possibility that Microsoft might abuse its monopoly in personal-computer software.

"We've discussed our concerns openly, both with Microsoft as well as with a number of regulatory agencies around the world," said Holly Campbell, the spokeswoman. She declined to comment on whether Adobe plans to file an antitrust suit against Microsoft.

The Guardian has more details: Adobe makes Microsoft remove PDF support from Guardian Unlimited: Technology

Let's look at what's going on, though. Microsoft's general counsel is giving interviews to the Wall Street Journal expressing "concern" about the situation. Microsoft is claiming that Adobe is threatening to sue. Adobe doesn't exactly deny it. I love the reference to discussions with regulatory agencies. When was the last time you had a voluntary conversation with, say, your local tax authority?

This is much bigger than the story indicates. The reference to OpenOffice [in the Guardian article] is a total red herring. I'm pretty sure OpenOffice does not use Adobe software to create PDF.

Update: Frank Gilbane has a brief post on the matter.
10:51 AM Permalink |