EC ends full-time antitrust monitoring of Microsoft

The European Commission has said it will stop actively monitoring Microsoft to check that the software maker is complying with a 2004 antitrust ruling.

In 2005, the Commission appointed an independent trustee to assess whether Microsoft was supplying interoperability information for Windows with workgroup servers to software rivals. The Commission told CNET News sister site ZDNet UK on Wednesday that it will no longer require a full-time monitor, and that it will use "ad hoc assistance" to provide it with advice on any issues arising from the ruling.

"We don't think it's necessary to have a full-time trustee any more, as there have been changes in Microsoft's behavior, and third parties can exercise their rights before national courts," said Commission antitrust spokesman Jonathon Todd.

While the trustee has been removed, Microsoft still has an obligation to supply complete and accurate interoperability information, the Commission said in a statement. However, the agency said it is satisfied that the original set of interoperability information has been documented by Microsoft, and that Microsoft's license agreements for third parties are sufficient to allow those parties to make cases in national courts, should any disagreements arise.

Microsoft was required to supply interoperability information to competitors following a 2004 ruling by then-competition commissioner Mario Monti. In addition to the workgroup server software interoperability issue addressed by the monitoring, the antitrust decision covered anticompetitive concerns to do with Microsoft's bundling of Windows Media Player with Windows. In its decision, the Commission not only required that the interoperability information be made public, but also called for the unbundling of Windows Media Player and fined Microsoft 497 million euros ($629 million).

In 2008, the Commission fined Microsoft again, levying 899 million euros for failure to comply with the 2004 decision. Todd said that Microsoft has paid the fine, but that the money is currently being held in an account, gathering interest, pending the outcome of an appeal against the fine by Microsoft.

Other Commission antitrust investigations relating to Microsoft, including one into Web-browser market dominance, are still being conducted.

Tom Espiner of ZDNet UK reported from London.

[opiapr]

it was time they stopped micromaneging but now they are on the browser budling issue so is the same.

[gerrrg]

Microsoft has 80-something percent of the OS market, Google has 50-something percent of the search market. Instead of keeping the eye on Microsoft, everyone is picking on Google, at the behest of Microsoft's lobbying.

Microsoft isn't dumb; the regulators and media are.

[Commander_Spock]

It is (was) about time that the EU get together with US based BOEING COMPANY, MICROSOFT, IBM....(now that the TROOPS ARE COMING HOME - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED) to figure out how to get "THE CONCORDE" FLYING - AGAIN commercially instead of monitoring Microsoft as though there is nothing better to do with their time and human resources.

Party Like It Is 1978!

[Michichael]

I'm sorry, I couldn't understand if there was actually any meaning in your horrible excuse for a sentence. Care to take a few English courses and learn how to construct a meaningful sentence so the rest of the (English speaking) world can understand what you're saying?

[Vegaman_Dan]

Your message's content, if there was any, was lost in all the CAPITAL LETTERS you were USING. You might want to try again with something a bit more topical.

[Commander_Spock]

Hey "Michichael"! How about finding out how the American Astronauts and the Russian Cosmonauts do it so the next time you do not have to demonstrate to the world your lack of training when it comes to bathroom manners; and, was it so bad so as to gt you off-topic.

One other thing, remember safety first. Always have your space suit on in case the temperature gets elevated in this room.

[Commander_Spock]

Hello "Vegaman_Dan"! Are you quite certain that you are in the correct class you registered for. And, btw, you will notice that "FRENCH FRIES AND WINES" are not listed on our School's Menu posted in the Cafeteria!

JOBS-BABY-JOBS! And, it is either you have the "skills set" (the entry requirements for the class) or you don't!

[kojacked]

I think the real question that needs to be answered here is what kind of drugs are you on Commander? And "All" is not an acceptable answer (though it would explain a lot!).

[Commander_Spock]

There we go "kojacked"! You have said in part; "I think the real question that needs to be answered here is what kind of drugs are you on Commander?"

Can you please explain why on "God's Greening Earth" an international issue involving the U. S. based Microsoft Corporation and the European Union (EU) of necessity has to now focus on a "jobs creation proposition" and (for your information) an well informed and experienced individual.

Do you necessarily have to drink the same "Kool Aid" that you see others are drinking or were you administered to prior to the ritual!

Remember, your are on an wide open forum; and, the international community awaits to see your vital survival skills as the world engages the "recession testing machine" that may have compelled the EU to follow its most recent action with regards to the U. S. based Microsoft Corporation.

How about demonstrating your best effort the next time around.

[Commander_Spock]

Damn it "kojacked"! To come to think about it when you said; "And "All" is not an acceptable answer (though it would explain a lot!)" and, when a look back is taken at some of the reasons there was a "fiery" end to "Flight 4590" then the word "all" comes to mind also. So, pray tell the world why you and those "dudes" in France (the Flight 4590 Crew, and the ones who were supposed to ensure the cleanliness of the runway) were compelled to take the actions you took.. And, these actions are called "reckless endangerments".

Perhaps, it is inherent in your genes and is not substance induced; so, your individual actions (and those of th EU) will be understandable if you (like the the Flight 4590 Crew, and the airport staff who were supposed to ensure the cleanliness of the runway) do not follow the simple debating rule of sticking to the "topic" at hand.

Re: "What brought down the Concorde?"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29306441/

BTW, was it intended to use the name "hijacked" but you chose ""kojacked" instead. By name and nature... this too is understandable. (Cool)!