Microsoft to pay up in antitrust row

Microsoft said today it had agreed to settle an antitrust dispute with Gateway by paying US$150 million ($212 million) over four years and pledging to work together to develop and market Gateway computer products.

The dispute stemmed from the US government's antitrust suit against Microsoft that identified Gateway as a victim of the software giant's practices.

"Our relationships with PC manufacturers are integral to our success, and we look forward to working even more closely with Gateway to communicate the benefits of its products and our software to consumers," said Rodrigo Costa, corporate vice president of the OEM Division at Microsoft.

Gateway president and CEO Wayne Inouye said: "Gateway continues to enjoy a strong relationship with Microsoft and we're pleased to put these legal issues behind us."

- NZPA