Jeffery Zeldman provides and nice summary and some analysis about the Microsoft-Eolas patent case. Long story short: as a result of the case, it looks like concept of browser plug-ins (that allow a variety of technologies--Macromedia Flash, Adobe Acrobat, Apple Quicktime, Real Player, and even Windows Media Player--to appear in the browser window) might be in serious danger. Zeldman elaborates on the theory that Microsoft, the "loser" in this case, might actually want to lose in order to harm the competition.
Regardless, if plug-ins go away, there are going to be a lot of losers. It will be a big pain for site owners and developers who have relied on plug-ins. And the end user experience will likely suffer as well.
Posted by Karl
September 17, 2003 08:53 AM