Alien Business

The nonprofit trade group -- which counts software giants Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Oracle (ORCL.O) but not IBM as members -- also alleged that IBM refused to license its mainframe operating systems to users of "Hercules" for installation on machines other than IBM mainframes.

Hercules is open-source software that allows IBM's mainframe operating systems to run on Intel-based (INTC.O) and Advanced Micro Devices-based (AMD.N) personal computers.

"We are aware that Justice has begun the CID investigatory process," said Black. A CID is the equivalent of a subpoena and indicates that an investigation is under way. "The scope is quite broad," said Black, who heads the CCIA, a trade association with a wide range of high-tech members. One of its focuses is antitrust, said Black.

IBM did not respond to repeated requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined comment.

Black said the decision reflected "a pledge by the Obama administration that they're going to take antitrust seriously. They mean it."

The news comes after software developer T3 Technologies had filed an antitrust suit against IBM in Manhattan federal district court. The judge threw out the suit on September 30.

The Justice Department probe is similar to others it has opened into dominant firms. The head of the Justice Department's antitrust division, Christine Varney, said in May she planned to take a more aggressive approach with firms that use their market power to crush competition.

The department is also investigating telecommunications companies for potential antitrust violations. Smaller telecommunications firms have long complained that the giants -- AT&T (T.N) and Verizon Communications (VZ.N) -- used their market share to squeeze out smaller rivals.

Smaller companies have also protested against the exclusive deals that cell phone companies made with handset makers, among other issues.

"They're (the Justice Department) going to want to make this stick," said antitrust attorney David Balto. "There's good reason for IBM to be concerned."

Some lenders do not require military personnel to have impeccable credit histories. At a slightly higher interest rate, these companies are more than willing to provide the needed loan amount that the military serviceman asks for. There is no preference as to the borrower’s military rank. Anyone from a general down to private men can apply for this kind of loan but the ability of the borrower to repay his loans would be a factor that the lender would consider.


Those who have proven in the past that they can keep up with their monthly payments are more likely to be approved than those who have had late payments. This does not mean, though, that military personnel who have bad credit will be turned down. For people with this dilemma, they have the option to still apply for the loan at a slightly higher interest rate.


The range of loan amount is much higher for military loans as compared to ordinary cash advances. Interest rates for military loans are very low as compared to most payday loans. The rate also depends upon the military man’s credit status and also the existing policies of the lending company. Just like any ordinary payday loan, though, a military payday loan can also be instantly approved. The repayment schedule is also similar to most payday loans as it takes anywhere from a week up to a month. Also, there are no credit checks for this type of loan.


Military payday loans are provided by lending companies on a monthly installment basis. The payday loans for military men do not only mean cash loans. It could also be any of the following loans: motor loans, personal loans; or housing loans. Even relocation and travel expenses can be covered by this loan. There are many loan packages that people from the military could choose from. All that the servicemen will have to do is to look for the package that would suit his repayment schedule.


A military payday loan is meant as a buffer for all the extra expenses that military servicemen have to pay for. After all, top priority is given to these men who offer their lives to protect the country.