Window Dressing

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Justice Department wasn't kidding when it said it would keep an eye on Microsoft's corporate behavior. It is taking a closer look at the software giant's purchase last month of the internet software producer Vermeer Technologies to check for possible anti-trust considerations. Microsoft spokesman Greg Shaw defended the acquisition, calling it "pro-competitive" and "pro-consumer". According to Philip Elmer-Dewitt, TIME's Science Editor, the Justice action stems from the anti-trust issues which surrounded Microsoft last summer at the release of Windows 95. "The vigilance now is all fallout from last summer when Judge Sporkin called the Microsoft settlement into question and embarrased the Justice Department. Now, the Justice Department wants everyone to know that they are looking at every little thing that Microsoft does."