Microsoft's Web brower antitrust troubles in Europe are essentially over. Starting in mid-March, European Windows users will have option to choose the default Web browser. Microsoft also will embark on a new interoperability initiative.
In a press conference today, the European Union's chief antitrust enforcer, Neelie Kroes, described the situation she sees about browser choice: "It is as if you went to the supermarket and they only offered you one brand of shampoo on the shelf, and all the other choices are hidden out the back, and not everyone knows about them. What we are saying today is that all the brands should be on the shelf."
In a statement, Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said, "We are pleased with today's decision by the European Commission, which approves a final resolution of several longstanding competition law issues in Europe."
Besides a "Choice Screen" for browsers, "Microsoft has committed to allow interoperability between third party products and several important Microsoft products. These products include Windows, Windows Server, Office, Exchange, and SharePoint," Kroes said.
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In a press conference today, the European Union's chief antitrust enforcer, Neelie Kroes, described the situation she sees about browser choice: "It is as if you went to the supermarket and they only offered you one brand of shampoo on the shelf, and all the other choices are hidden out the back, and not everyone knows about them. What we are saying today is that all the brands should be on the shelf."
In a statement, Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said, "We are pleased with today's decision by the European Commission, which approves a final resolution of several longstanding competition law issues in Europe."
Besides a "Choice Screen" for browsers, "Microsoft has committed to allow interoperability between third party products and several important Microsoft products. These products include Windows, Windows Server, Office, Exchange, and SharePoint," Kroes said.
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