Learning From Microsoft's Error, Google Builds a Lobbying Engine

LEARNING FROM MICROSOFT'S ERROR, GOOGLE BUILDS A LOBBYING MACHINE
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: Jeffrey H. Birnbaum]
When it comes to lobbying, Google does not intend to repeat the mistake that its rival Microsoft made a decade ago. Microsoft was so disdainful of the federal government back then that it had almost no presence in Washington. Largely because of that neglect, the company was blindsided by a government antitrust lawsuit that cost it dearly. Mindful of that history, Google is rapidly building a substantial presence in Washington and using that firepower against Microsoft, among others. Google is reaching beyond Washington, as well. To publicize its policy positions and develop grass-roots support, the company introduced the Google Public Policy Blog this week. "We're seeking to do public policy advocacy in a Googley way," said Andrew McLaughlin, Google's director of public policy and government affairs. "We want our users to be part of the effort." In its first major policy assault on a competitor, Google's Washington office helped write an antitrust complaint to the Justice Department and other government authorities asserting that Microsoft's new Vista operating system discriminates against Google software. Last night, under a compromise with federal and state regulators, Microsoft agreed to make changes to Vista's operations.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/19/AR2007061902058.html
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-- See also --
* Microsoft to change Vista after Google complaint
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSWBT00717920070620