EU Expresses Concerns Over Vista

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

31 March 2006

As its antitrust dispute with the European Commission over alleged abuse of its dominant market position continues, it emerged this week Microsoft is facing another possible battle with the European authorities.

According to media reports, EU Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroes has written to Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer with regard to the software giant's forthcoming Vista operating system.

Ms Kroes reportedly voiced concerns - also expressed by Microsoft's rivals - that Vista will come packaged with search functions, anti-spyware programs and digital rights management software which would put its competitors' products at a disadvantage.

Speaking to reporters this week, EC spokesman Jonathon Todd confirmed that:

"We are concerned about the possibility that the next Vista operating system will include various elements which are currently available separately from Microsoft or other companies."

He went on to add that:

"We assume that Microsoft has its own interests at heart. It wants to launch another product without having to worry about the Commission instituting various actions under antitrust law."

Microsoft has declined to comment specifically on the contents of the letter, although according to an Associated Press report, it announced that:

"Keeping the industry and regulators informed of our product development plans has been, and will remain, a priority."

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