Antitrust – yet another argument against blindly accepting proprietary solutions?

We all know Microsoft has had its share of run-ins with the DOJ as well as the EU over its business practices. It now looks as if Russia has a beef with them as well. One can but ponder why, in light of the current economic tsunami we are all experiencing, should we allow ourselves to stick with the status quo in business? Perhaps we now live in a time of great opportunity for taking serious notice of viable alternatives to the well-lobbied offerings of proprietary vendors.?