Wednesday 7 October 2009

BBC NEWS | Business | EU approves new Microsoft pledges

The European Union has voiced its approval for Microsoft's latest pledges to curb its anti-competitive practices.

The technology giant has agreed to give customers a wider choice of web browser through its Windows operating system and to share information with rivals.

The EU will now consult PC makers, software firms and consumers on Microsoft's offer.

The breakthrough could see an end to the anti-trust battle that has lasted for the best part of a decade.

"The commission will formally market test proposals made by Microsoft to address concerns regarding the tying of Internet Explorer to the Windows PC operating system," said the EU's competition commissioner Neelie Kroes.

"The preliminary view is that Microsoft's commitments would indeed address our concerns," she added.

"PC users should have an effective and unbiased choice between Internet Explorer and competing web browsers."

In 2004, the EU ruled that Microsoft had abused its dominant market position by freezing out rivals.

It said Microsoft must let competitors' products run on its operating system.



BBC NEWS | Business | EU approves new Microsoft pledges
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