EU to consult Microsoft’s competitors about fines
The EU is to consult IT companies before it decides whether to impose a massive fine on software giant Microsoft
The EU is to consult IT companies before it decides whether to impose a massive fine on software giant Microsoft in a dispute about anti-competitive practices.
The company delivered its latest proposals to meet an EU competition ruling just ahead of the 1 June deadline set by Brussels.
Microsoft has already been fined 497m euros (£340m) after the EU found last year that it had abused its dominant position in the market.
But the company also had to comply with other conditions by the 1 June deadline. It was ordered to make its workgroup server protocols available to competitors and to provide a version of Windows without its Media Player program.
Microsoft’s latest proposals are being scrutinised by EU regulators.
The analysis, which is expected to take a few weeks, would include consultation with rival firms, the EU has confirmed.