Microsoft has been given until the end of the month to comply with the European Commission’s ruling for it to change its practices in Europe. If Microsoft doesn’t comply, it will be fined up to $5 million a day.
“We made a deal that before the end of the month we would reach an agreement (on remedies). We are waiting for the Microsoft people to do their homework,” said European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes.
The company lost an antitrust dispute last year, and now its time of reckoning is drawing close. Microsoft is expected to explain details about how it will meet the EU’s guidelines. BBC News explains a little about the ongoing dispute:
In addition to a 497m euro ($640m; 343m) fine in March 2004, Brussels ordered Microsoft to open up its core software systems to rivals.
This was to enable other software manufacturers to make programs that worked more seamlessly with Microsoft’s Windows operating system.
Microsoft was also ordered to provide a version of Windows without its own Windows Media Player.
“Microsoft is concerned about losing control of its intellectual property, and the fact is some of the licensing terms used by open-source software developers raise a legitimate concern,” said Neil Macehiter of Macehiter Ward-Dutton, a firm that advises companies on their IT strategies . “A compromise is going to be difficult.”
Microsoft is also supposed to appoint an independent trustee to monitor its compliance. The European Commission is still waiting for the company to do so.
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
