The European Competition Competitioner Mario Monti today confirmed that Brussels would rule against Microsoft
Published:
19 March 2004 y., Friday
The European Competition Competitioner Mario Monti today confirmed that Brussels would rule against Microsoft - the World's biggest software company - for breaking EU competition rules.
Top level talks between Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and Mr Monti failed to break the deadlock in the investigation, which has been in progress for five years, although Mr Ballmer is thought to have made some concessions to European concerns.
And today Mr Monti told an impromptu press conference in Brussels, "I'd just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible".
He added that he wanted to create a "clear precedent" which would be better for consumers and competition.
The amount of the fine, which could be as high as ten percent of Microsoft's turnover, will be decided next Wednesday (24 March).
In addition, the EU could force Microsoft to offer versions of its Windows operating system without certain features, notably Windows media player - which allows users to download audio and video clips.
Brussels believes that Microsoft's practice of including this media player with its Windows system - known as "bundling" - is an abuse of its dominant market position.
Microsoft - which employs 12,000 people in Europe - saw its share price decline sharply by around two percent in European trading on the news.
Šaltinis:
euobserver.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Most EU countries continue to meet deadlines for incorporating single market rules into national law, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
more »
Japanese officials unveil their new bullet train, capable of travelling at speeds of 320 km per hour (198 miles per hour).
more »
The first International Security Technology Exhibition, KIPS 2011, will be held on 23-26 February 2011 in Kiev (Ukraine). The motto of the exhibition is ‘There can never be too much security!’
more »
The world's highest restaurant opens in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, located 400 metres above ground in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower.
more »
The rights of consumers will be clarified and updated, whether they shop at a local store or buy goods on line, under new EU rules as amended by the Internal Market Committee on Tuesday.
more »
MEPs on Wednesday gave their green light for the Council to conclude an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with Papua New Guinea and Fiji, two countries of the Pacific Region with significant exports to the EU.
more »
Report sets 10 priorities for tackling the bloc's main economic challenges, launching the first ever ‘European semester'.
more »
China's first capsule hotel ready to open its doors in Shanghai, aims to capture slice of booming leisure budget travel market.
more »
Declaration by Michel Barnier on the start of three new authorities for supervision.
more »
On 1 January, Estonia adopted the euro as its official currency and the changeover is running smoothly and according to plan.
more »