About a week (maybe longer) ago I saw an email that Microsoft has commited to 12 principles for Windows Operating Systems. After that I saw a few articles but none of them had all 12 principles. I finally tracked them down (OK, I was busy and didn't really look for them until now) but here they are:

1. Installation of any software

2. Easy access

3. Defaults

4. Exclusive promotion of non-Microsoft programs

5. Business terms

6. APIs

7. Internet services

8. Open Internet access

9. No exclusivity

10. Communications protocols

11. Availability of Microsoft patents

12. Standards

While I whole heartedly applaud Microsoft's resolve to make sure they don't repeat the mistakes and behaviors that lead to the anit-trust trial and their being declared a monopoly, I am not sure that they go far enough. We still see the European Commision taking action against them and there are other countries as well. Since they already have to be doing this to not run afoul of the anti-trust settlement decree it would seem to me that this is insufficient to satisfy the other entities that are after them.

I would like to see the same principles applied to all computer products. I really hate getting software without any API or other way of communicating with them. I can't understand why manufacturers would think that making their products so proprietary would help sales. In any case I hope this has a ripple effect on the industry and that all products will be better for it.