EU Regulators Confident in Resolving Antitrust Case against Microsoft

Strategic Insights -

European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson expressed confidence that regulators can resolve the ongoing antitrust case against Microsoft Corporation. The case, which has been ongoing since last year, centers around Microsoft's compliance with E.U. orders to open software markets to greater competition. Despite some progress, including Microsoft's concessions to provide rival software firms with free access to certain software codes, several issues remain unresolved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union's antitrust case against Microsoft focuses on the company's compliance with E.U. orders to open software markets to greater competition.
  • Microsoft agreed to provide rival software firms with free access to some of its software codes and full operability on its Windows operating system-based servers.
  • However, several issues remain unresolved, including the extent of Microsoft code available to other software firms and potentially anti-competitive pricing of bundled and unbundled Microsoft software products.
  • European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson expressed confidence that regulators can resolve the case, stating, "I'm sure it can be resolved."
  • Microsoft's concessions were described by Chief Executive Steve Ballmer as "tough concessions."
  • The case has been ongoing since last year, with European regulators suspending a threat to fine Microsoft as much as $5 million a day for not complying with E.U. orders.
  • E.U. Antitrust Commissioner Neelie Kroes welcomed the concessions made by Microsoft.

Statistics:

  • The European Union threatened to fine Microsoft as much as $5 million a day for not complying with E.U. orders.
  • Microsoft agreed to provide rival software firms with free access to some of its software codes.
  • The extent of Microsoft code available to other software firms remains unresolved.
  • The case has been ongoing since last year.
  • Microsoft's concessions included full operability on its Windows operating system-based servers.

Sources:

  • Dow Jones Commodities News - "European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on Microsoft Antitrust Case".
  • Dow Jones Newswires - "Microsoft Says It's Making Tough Concessions".
  • COMTEX - "News Provided by COMTEX".