Microsoft Caves to EU Antitrust Demands

October 21st, 2007 at 3:00 PM - News by Jeff Gamet

Microsoft finally threw in the towel on Monday and agreed to comply with the European Unionis 2004 antitrust decision against the company. The move follows a three year battle where the Redmond company worked to gain concessions from the EU Competition Commission, according to Reuters.

"The repercussions of these changes will start now and will continue for years to come," said Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes. "It is a victory for the consumer."

The EU had found Microsoft guilty of using its monopoly status to control the software industry. The company had been fighting the EU ruling which required the release of information about Windows code to third party developers.

Microsoft failed to fully comply with the commissionis requirements and was subsequently fines €500,000 in 2004, and €280.5 million in 2006. While the commission has no plans to impose additional fines now, it is keeping that as an option should Microsoft fail to remain in compliance with the rulings.