Each side will be describing a different planet.

Norris, more than anyone else, showed how difference in royalty terms reinforced Microsoft's control over equipment suppliers,

The states have suggested they want limits on Microsoft's development of WebTV, which they view as an extension of [Microsoft's] products to other new media, ... The states want to forestall Microsoft capturing those technological paths as well.

The thing the dealmakers tend to look at is: 'what did the guy ahead of me in line have to pay to get through?'

The Justice Department would require an agreement by Microsoft to banish all contracts that prevent equipment manufacturers and Internet service providers from promoting competitors' products. The is the non-negotiable minimum for the Justice Department.

The company has to abide by the mandate that the court issues. That is, the court says, 'You must do the following, but I am going to give you the burden of finding the best way of accomplish that.'