Microsoft requests EU hearing, say reports

Microsoft has declined to comment on reports that it is to request a hearing in its antitrust lawsuit in the European Union.

"We are working hard to respond to the European Commission's statement of objections issued last month," said Micorsoft spokeswoman Tiffany Steckler.

The commission issued a statement in August setting out its argument that Microsoft has abused its dominant position with the Windows operating systems to use that strength to push into the markets for server software and audio and video playing software.

The reports have claimed that by requesting a hearing, Microsoft was trying to stall for time.

A spokeswoman at the European Commission, Amelia Torres, said Microsoft has the right to a hearing before the competition regulator concludes the case, but declined to comment on whether Microsoft has requested a hearing or not.

Paul Meller writes for IDG News Service