Microsoft could be forced to hand over workgroup server
protocol technology to rivals for free, under new proposals being
considered by the European Commission.
The proposal is designed to allow Microsoft to comply with the
commission’s 2004 antitrust judgement against the firm.
Previous charges proposed by Microsoft have been rejected, and
the Financial Times reported that the independent analyst looking
at the case on behalf of Microsoft and the EC has recommended free
access to the server protocols.
The access to the technology is designed to allow Microsoft’s
rivals to build alternative server products that work more easily
in the Windows environment.
The commission has not confirmed the proposal.
Microsoft says it has until 23 April to respond to any new
proposals.
If Microsoft does not soon comply with the 2004 judgement, the
commission is threatening to fine it millions of pounds.
European Commission makes new Microsoft fine threat
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