Is IMO the Microsoft of shipping?
We’re strongly tempted to make the comparison. First, the STCW Convention 2011 edition is being retailed in Manila for US$115 equivalent (£73) compared with US$119 for a copy of Windows 7, Home Premium Edition, from Microsoft’s online store. That’s just a four dollar difference. Second, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) controls the market for the STCW document as well as all other international treaties published by the Organization. Similarly, Microsoft, which had been accused in the past of monopolistic business practices, dominates the market for desktop operating systems as well as the browser and office suite markets. (more…)
