Details of Judge’s order

WASHINGTON: US District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson on Wednesday ordered Microsoft Corp. broken into two companies and imposed certain restrictions on the company's practices to begin in 90 days.

The software powerhouse immediately said it would appeal. Key details of the order are as follows:

Relations with computer makers:

- The order bans Microsoft from retaliating against personal computer makers for interacting with products or companies that compete with Microsoft;

- Requires uniform pricing for Windows operating system;

- Gives computer makers flexibility in integrating Windows into their products.

Information disclosure:

Requires disclosure of the same information that Microsoft's own developers use to other software developers, subject to restrictions. This would give other software makers a look at Microsoft's "source code"

Ban on interference with rivals:

Prohibits Microsoft from introducing features that interfere with other software, without notifying the software maker so it can protect its customers.

Ban on punishing software vendors: Prohibits software sellers from punishing software sellers who promote non-Microsoft products.

Ban on exclusive dealing

: Bans Microsoft from inducing others to deal only with Microsoft and not its rivals, or from degrading the performance of non-Microsoft products.

Ban on contractual tying:

Prohibits Microsoft from using conditioning the sale of Windows to the sale of some other product, such as a Web browser.

Ban on agreements limiting competition

: Prohibits Microsoft from making deals with would-be competitors to split up markets.

Continued licensing of earlier Windows versions:

Requires Microsoft to license earlier versions of Windows for three years after releasing a new version.

Compliance:

Requires Microsoft to ensure compliance by setting up a committee, hiring a compliance officer and maintaining some records. Also requires Microsoft to retain its e-mails for four years.

(C) Reuters Limited 2000.