Domestic Merchants Challenge Microsoft

The collective cry of software retailers reached an uproar. 'The one-sided price violence by the overwhelmingly dominant force in the market is unfair, enough is enough. We cannot endure any more.'
The world's operating system giant is not lending a sympathetic ear. 'Their complaints on pricing are totally absurd considering thatit is cheaper than any other country's product.'
The feud surrounding Window 1998's pricetag between Microsoft(MS) and domestic computer sales merchants has finally brought about a massive demonstration.
The nation's 16 major computer sales groups, such as Seoul's Yongsan electronic business group and Pusan's Kaya computer wholesale co-op members, on March 15 announced that they would execute protest strikes on March 24 in five major cities.
Window's 98 dominates 90 percent of the world market in PC operating systems. Merchants are claiming that MS is using its exclusive position to impose steep prices on Window's 98.
The product is retailing for 175 dollars, which is the same price as last year although because of the unstable exchange rate last year it is actually cheaper this year.
A MS Korea spokesman commented, 'The pricing policy is a secret. It is not as expensive as the merchants suggest. We are still discussing with them to possibly lower the price.'