In December 1998, the state of South Carolina pulled out of the case and now it appears that New Mexico has followed suit. The move comes in the wake of a US District Appeals Court ruling that Microsoft does have a monopoly over the computer operating systems market and has abused its position. Although the company was not forced to break up, it has relaxed its restrictions on PC manufacturers and the development of computer operating systems incorporating Microsoft browser software.
The Attorney General for New Mexico Patricia Madrid announced the settlement with Microsoft yesterday, under which the company will pay the state’s legal costs amounting to roughly $100,000. The principal states remaining committed to the litigation include Connecticut, New York, Iowa and California.