EU suspends Microsoft sanctions

The European Commission has temporarily suspended an order requiring Microsoft to sell a version of Windows without media player software, just before it would have taken effect, a source familiar with the situation said Sunday.

Microsoft on Friday asked for a suspension of the sanctions for as long the case was before European courts, which could be three years or more. All filings before the court are confidential and not available to the public.

The Commission ruled in March that Microsoft had violated the law by using its dominant Windows operating system to compete unfairly against rivals.

"All the risk in suspension is to consumers and competitors, not Microsoft," the Computer & Communications Industry Association said when it made a filing with the court last week.

It said the suspension would give Microsoft time to tip the market in its favor while the case was being heard.

Gutierrez disagreed.

"Our position is that these remedies are not necessary today or in the future," he said.