Microsoft has proposed offering a choice of browsers with
Windows 7 to resolve a
dispute with the European Commission over the firm's
Internet Explorer browser.
The proposal comes after the two parties
resumed talks earlier this month aimed at resolving the EC's
objections to Microsoft bundling IE with its operating system.
In 2004, the EC was successful in its monopoly abuse case
against Microsoft for linking its media player to Windows,
fining the software maker €497m (£430m).
The EC has threatened sanctions if it fails to reach an
agreement with Microsoft, which has been accused of harming browser
competition with its bundling practices.
Microsoft has proposed offering buyers of its new
Windows 7 operating system a choice of browsers to install and
the option of disabling Internet Explorer.
PC makers will also be able to install competing web browsers
and disable IE.
Lawyers for Microsoft believe the proposal will fully address
the European concerns about harming browser competition, according
to the
BBC.
European authorities have welcomed the proposal, but said they
would investigate how effective the move will be in ensuring
genuine consumer choice.
The EC is also investigating Microsoft proposals about
disclosing information to achieve better interoperability between
its operating system and third-party products.
Microsoft said it would continue shipping
a version of Windows 7 in Europe without Internet Explorer
until authorities made a decision about the latest proposals.