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The 25 most powerful people in networking

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Thomas Penfield Jackson, U.S. District judge,
Department of Justice

T. JacksonPerhaps nothing would rock the network industry more than Microsoft's breakup. That power lies firmly in the hands of Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, whose recent landmark ruling that Microsoft is a monopoly makes this a distinct possibility.

Even if Jackson leads government officials into a settlement other than a full-fledged breakup, one thing is certain: Microsoft will never be the same. At best, the company will lose its grip on one of its pulsating sources of power: Windows. Even if Microsoft rebounds fully from that blow, government scrutiny will alter its brutal business practices.

Moreover, the notoriously ruthless Bill Gates may never be the same. Anyone who watched the tapes of Gates squirming during prosecutors' questions can feel the power vibe Jackson emits. Under what other circumstances could the richest man in the world, running the most powerful software company in the world, be in someone else's control?

Jackson's 207-page findings of fact set the stage for a verdict against Microsoft. With that much ink on paper declaring monopoly, Jackson is unlikely to release Microsoft without a scratch. More likely is a string of appeals that ultimately land in front of the Supreme Court; that would have widespread influence over technology companies for decades to come.

Whatever the outcome, Jackson wields enormous power in the networking industry as we enter the next millennium.

Related links

What made news in 1999: The top stories
Network World, 12/22/99

Over Microsoft Objections, Judge Keeps Lessig
The Industry Standard 12/22/99

Judge appoints mediator in Microsoft antitrust case
Network World, 11/22/99

U.S. Dept. of Justice vs. Microsoft: The real story
Network World, 11/15/99

Judge finds Microsoft wielded monopoly power
Network World, 11/08/99

Microsoft, DOJ may be far from finished
Network World, 09/27/99


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