Microsoft calls on Netscape to show internal emails

Microsoft has subpoenaed internal emails from Netscape employees as part of its ongoing fight against antitrust allegations.

The software giant has demanded over 4,000 emails - which come from two of Netscape's internal electronic forums - be used as evidence that mismanagement at Netscape caused the company to lose its dominance of the browser market.

A Microsoft spokesman played down the significance of the subpoena claiming it was part of the ongoing process of the antitrust case. However, he then admitted it had been issued in retaliation to the publication of a Microsoft email to software company Caldera discussing the interoperability of Windows 3.1 with other browsers.

Kent Walker, Netscape's solicitor, confirmed Microsoft had subpoenaed the contents of the two forums, called 'bad attitude' and 'really bad attitude', which act as a vent for employee grumbles.

In a statement, Netscape said it is reviewing the subpoena and will respond appropriately.

The case took another twist when Microsoft filed a request to have the case thrown out of court on the grounds that the pro-monopoly court of appeals ruled in the company's favour. The court is expected to rule on the request later today.