Microsoft, EC 'in talks' to settle antitrust issues
Published: 08 Jul 2009 08:17 BST
Microsoft has had "preliminary talks" with European Union officials with the hope of settling several regulatory probes, according to a Bloomberg report.
According to the report, Microsoft is aiming to settle the matters before competition commissioner Neelie Kroes steps down at the end of the year. One issue is the European Commission's well-publicised concern over the bundling of Internet Explorer into Windows, while the other pertains to Office software, Bloomberg said.
The Commission earlier this year issued a preliminary finding that the inclusion of a browser in the operating system violated European antitrust law and has been exploring a variety of potential remedies, including forcing Microsoft to distribute rival browsers with its operating system.
In June, CNET News.com reported that Microsoft was planning to ship Windows 7 in Europe only in versions that had the browser feature removed, aiming to sidestep regulatory action. However, both the EU and rivals issued concern over that approach.
As for the Office inquiry, Microsoft has said it was opened in January 2008 and resulted from complaints filed by a trade association of Microsoft's competitors.
An EU spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report of settlement talks and a Microsoft representative declined to comment. Both Microsoft and an EU spokesman declined to comment in the Bloomberg report.
Credit: Report: Microsoft, EU in talks over antitrust issues from CNET News
- Windows 7: Mixed reviews from PDC attendees
- Microsoft floats clouds on Windows Azure
- Ozzie: Success of Azure comes down to trust
- Microsoft offers patch for unreleased software
- How Microsoft can make Windows 7 a success
- Windows 7: a first look
- Windows 7: screenshot gallery
- Microsoft sheds more light on Windows 7
- Microsoft announces browser-based Office apps
- Microsoft unveils Office apps in the browser
- Ballmer memo to customers: Ready for the revolution
Did you find this article useful?
Digg
Slashdot
Del.ici.ous
Stumble
Reddit
