EU unconvinced by Microsoft's browser offer [fr] [de]
The European Commission has given a cool reception to an announcement by Microsoft that the latest version of its Windows operating system will offer users the option of deactivating the Internet Explorer browser in an attempt to comply with EU antitrust rules.
Background
The European Commission sent a statement of objections to Microsoft in January 2009, raising competition concerns regarding the bundling of its browser, Internet Explorer, to the popular Windows operating system. The document represents the first step in a procedure that is likely to culminate in a fine or the imposition of remedies (EurActiv 19/01/09).
By tying Internet Explorer to Windows, Microsoft is exploiting its dominant position in the operating system market to hamper competition in the browser market, according to the Commission.
For the same reason, the EU institutions have already forced Microsoft to pay a large fine for bundling its media player to Windows (EurActiv 17/09/07).
The Commission had made clear to Microsoft that to avoid a fresh EU fine, the US giant must sell a version of Windows that provides competitors' browsers, and not just the option of deactivating Internet Explorer.
In a statement first obtained by EurActiv at the end of February, the Commission's antitrust spokesman Jonathan Todd clarified that Brussels might request Microsoft to design Windows in a way that allows users "to choose which competing web browser(s) instead of, or in addition to, Internet Explorer [that] they want to install and which one they want to have as default," he said (EurActiv 23/02/09).
As anticipated by the press, Microsoft announced yesterday on its technical blog that Windows 7 (the latest version of the ubiquitous operating system expected in the shops by the beginning of 2010) will include a feature giving users the option of turning off Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player, Windows Media Centre, Windows Search, Windows DVD Maker and other Microsoft products that are usually bundled with Windows.
However, Brussels is doubtful on whether the deactivation of Internet Explorer will be permanent, since the browser is an integral part of the operating system.
In any case, "Microsoft has not told us anything so far," Todd told EurActiv yesterady. "If they think it is relevant, they will presumably include the measure in their response to our statement of objections," he added.
Microsoft's move did not satisfy its competitors in the browser market either. Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera, the Norwegian browser developer which filed the complaint with the EU against Microsoft regarding Internet Explorer, told EurActiv: "The possibility of deactivating Internet Explorer does not give users a real choice. Internet Explorer remains the browser by default."
A spokesman for Google, which operates in the browser market after recently launching Chrome, commented: "The Internet was founded on choice and openness and this requires a level playing field with multiple options for accessing it. From the moment a computer is turned on, people should be able to access a range of browsers easily and quickly."
Asked by EurActiv whether Microsoft would use the announced measure as part of its response to the EU's objections, Microsoft's spokesperson in Brussels, Jesse Verstraete, declined to comment.
The Commission originally had given the US giant two months to respond to its objections. However, Microsoft asked for an extension and today (11 March) Brussels postponed the deadline by one month to the end of April. Microsoft might also ask for a hearing. The EU antitrust body will not adopt a final decision until it has received Microsoft's official response.
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