Microsoft faces record EU fine

Found on BBC on Monday, 22 March 2004
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Software giant Microsoft is reportedly facing the European Union's biggest ever anti-trust fine.

As well as fining Microsoft, EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti is expected to set limits on its practice of bundling software and services in with its Windows operating system, which is an important part of the software firm's commercial strategy.

Leaks circulating in Brussels after that meeting suggested the fine would be 497m euros, according to both the Reuters and Dow Jones news agencies.

The EU's investigation has found Microsoft to be an "abusive monopolist" which has skewed the market for audiovisual software to the detriment of its rivals.

Reports say Microsoft will be forced to share proprietary details of its Windows software with rivals, making it easier for them to tailor their products to run on it.

It's about time that MS learns that it cannot control the market with its monopol. Even if 497m won't hurt them badly, it's a good step.