Almost four years after the European Commission’s finding that Microsoft was abusing its dominant market position in Europe, the EU courts have rejected the software giant’s appeal, and have confirmed that the $688 million fine against them still stands.
The main arguments against Microsoft revolved around a number of key tactics used in the sale of its software bundles to OEM manufacturers. The Media player, in particular, was tied in with the operating system, meaning users were not given proper choice in picking an appropriate player. Microsoft were then required to sell a version of its Windows operating system without a media player attached.
And so was born Windows XP N – ever heard of it? No, us neither – which was rather predictably a massive flop. We doubt that a massive marketing budget was expended on promoting the product, but perhaps we’re just being cynical.
Soon after this 2004 ruling, Microsoft appealed to EU courts; nearly four years later, here we are.
Microsoft’s arguments were largely dismissed by the justices, and the initial decision by the EC was upheld at every important point; Microsoft is still required to offer a version of Windows sans media player. Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith was watching proceedings, and he had a few things to say about the rulings:
[praised] the CFI and mentioning repeatedly that Microsoft planned to live up to its obligations in Europe. He even took pains to point out how much the company is spending on the continent, as though to earn a bit of good will (13,000 employees and more than $500 million in R&D, if you must know).
says ArsTechnica.
Microsoft can now appeal this decision in a higher court. Will it appeal? Probably. Will it win? Probably not, but who can say how peoples’ minds will change between now and then?