Get this Microsoft fined £331m by EU! lol!
Microsoft have been zonked with a record EU fine of 497 million Euros as a result of their antitrust case, as well as other non-financial punishments.
When he's not creating a huge laser beam to destroy the moon or developing an underwater base to take over the planet, Bill Gates and his evil syndicate Microsoft are occasionally known to knock out a bit of software now and then. Rivals say that Microsoft aren't giving consumers fair choice with their Windows operating system and after a lengthy antitrust case, EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti has decided that Microsoft have abused their position at the top. A record fine of 497 million Euros (equivalent to $613m or £331m) must be paid from Microsoft's $50bn cash mountain. Microsoft, as they are prone to, will appeal.
While $600m might amount to pocket change for Microsoft, it's the non-financial punishments dished out that will cause the most damage. Apart from the fine, Microsoft must reveal crucial secrets from Windows software within the next 120 days, so that rivals are able to design compatible products. If that wasn't enough, Microsoft have to offer a stripped-down version of Windows without the standard MediaPlayer audiovisual software within 90 days. While they will still be allowed to sell versions of Windows with MediaPlayer installed, Microsoft have been forced into an embarrasing climbdown, and to open up their software (software that currently resides on 90% of the world's computers) to rival companies is likely to hurt Microsoft in a way that mere monetary matters never could.
"Today's decision restores the conditions for fair competitions," said Monti, after this morning's historic ruling. "Dominant companies have a special responsibility to ensure that the way they do business doesn't prevent competition... and does not harm consumers and innovation." The 5 year EU case was launched by rival makers of audiovisual software after they claimed Microsoft spent a little too long looking after number one and were forcing other players out of the market. Last-minute talks between Monti and dancing Microsoft ape Steve Ballmer broke down after Ballmer and Microsoft refused to reveal details of their operating systems to rivals.
Microsoft have indeed appealed as expected, a process which could take years if accepted - starting in a Luxembourg court, the legal battle could reach as far as the European Court of Justice. However, take into consideration exactly how much affirmative action Microsoft took on heed of their last court ruling (which forced the company to split itself in two) and you'd be forgiven for thinking they won't exactly be leaping into action straight away.
Microsoft have been zonked with a record EU fine of 497 million Euros as a result of their antitrust case, as well as other non-financial punishments.
When he's not creating a huge laser beam to destroy the moon or developing an underwater base to take over the planet, Bill Gates and his evil syndicate Microsoft are occasionally known to knock out a bit of software now and then. Rivals say that Microsoft aren't giving consumers fair choice with their Windows operating system and after a lengthy antitrust case, EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti has decided that Microsoft have abused their position at the top. A record fine of 497 million Euros (equivalent to $613m or £331m) must be paid from Microsoft's $50bn cash mountain. Microsoft, as they are prone to, will appeal.
While $600m might amount to pocket change for Microsoft, it's the non-financial punishments dished out that will cause the most damage. Apart from the fine, Microsoft must reveal crucial secrets from Windows software within the next 120 days, so that rivals are able to design compatible products. If that wasn't enough, Microsoft have to offer a stripped-down version of Windows without the standard MediaPlayer audiovisual software within 90 days. While they will still be allowed to sell versions of Windows with MediaPlayer installed, Microsoft have been forced into an embarrasing climbdown, and to open up their software (software that currently resides on 90% of the world's computers) to rival companies is likely to hurt Microsoft in a way that mere monetary matters never could.
"Today's decision restores the conditions for fair competitions," said Monti, after this morning's historic ruling. "Dominant companies have a special responsibility to ensure that the way they do business doesn't prevent competition... and does not harm consumers and innovation." The 5 year EU case was launched by rival makers of audiovisual software after they claimed Microsoft spent a little too long looking after number one and were forcing other players out of the market. Last-minute talks between Monti and dancing Microsoft ape Steve Ballmer broke down after Ballmer and Microsoft refused to reveal details of their operating systems to rivals.
Microsoft have indeed appealed as expected, a process which could take years if accepted - starting in a Luxembourg court, the legal battle could reach as far as the European Court of Justice. However, take into consideration exactly how much affirmative action Microsoft took on heed of their last court ruling (which forced the company to split itself in two) and you'd be forgiven for thinking they won't exactly be leaping into action straight away.
