EC Accepts Microsoft Antitrust Compromise

by Ulrika Lomas, for LawAndTax-News.com, Brussels

08 June 2005

It emerged this week that Microsoft and the European Commission have reached a compromise over requirements imposed on the software giant in the EC's antitrust ruling against it.

The Commission announced on Monday that it will market test the new proposals it has received from Microsoft, outlining how the company intends to implement the Commission’s March 2004 decision in the field of interoperability.

The decision required Microsoft to disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers. It also required the company to create and market a version of the Windows operating system not bundled with the Windows Media Player.

“I am happy that Microsoft has recognised certain principles which must underlie its implementation of the Commission’s Decision” observed European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes, continuing:

“I remain determined to ensure that all elements of the Decision are properly implemented. This includes the ability for developers of open source software to take advantage of the remedy.”

Microsoft was also upbeat regarding the agreement, which came following compromise on both sides, announcing in a statement that:

"In order to resolve some complex issues over the past few weeks, we've made some tough concessions. We take our responsibilities in Europe very seriously, and will continue to focus on fulfilling all our obligations in every way we can."

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