About: interoperability
EU checks complaints against Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype
The European Commission is determining whether to require the unbundling of the Internet phone service Skype from Microsoft's Windows operating system before authorising the planned merger of the two companies.
Kroes to beef up scrutiny of EU digital industry
The European Commission will ensure that devices with always-on connectivity, like Apple's iPhone, don't lock consumers in to proprietary technology, Neelie Kroes, EU commissioner for the 'Digital Agenda', told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview. A yearly scorecard will measure the industry's progress.
Kroes: Interoperability at heart of Digital Agenda
The European Commission plans to rewrite ICT industry rules to make sure dominant technologies, like devices with always-on connectivity, do not lock consumers into supporting monopolies and hamper innovation, Neelie Kroes, EU commissioner for the Digital Agenda, told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.
EU eGovernment push ‘threatens Microsoft supremacy’
EU telecoms ministers took an important step towards diluting the market dominance of Microsoft's Office software on Monday (19 April) when they agreed to roll out online services using more interoperable document formats, according to Brussels-based competition lawyers.
Kroes champions interoperability in draft ‘digital agenda’
As Commissioner Neelie Kroes prepares to unveil proposals for an EU digital agenda by the end of April, tensions have emerged around the issues of interoperability and open standards for ICT systems. EURACTIV France reports.
Microsoft bows to EU pressure in browser war
Microsoft will give consumers the choice of twelve different web browsers after the company gave in to EU antitrust demands to stop bundling its Windows operating software with its own popular browser, Internet Explorer.
E-health hampered by interoperability glitches
Potential cost-savings from e-health are being jeopardised because computer systems cannot talk to one another, according to experts. Healthcare IT specialists also warn of resistance from healthcare workers and patients amid ongoing concerns over data protection.
EU pilot project to remove linguistic barriers to care abroad
A Commission Recommendation on the interoperability of electronic health records aimed at ensuring EU doctors have access to vital information on patients' medical data, wherever such information may be located, opens the door to a large-scale EU pilot project.
Microsoft’s EU legal troubles continue
More legal disputes await Microsoft in Brussels as new accusations of unfair competition were filed by the UK Educational Agency on 13 May. At the same time, the IT giant has decided to appeal the huge fine imposed by the European Commission last February for alleged abuse of its dominant market position.
Microsoft told to translate principles into actions
The European Commission reacted sceptically to an announcement made by Microsoft on 21 February that it will partly disclose its technical secrets for the sake of interoperability.
Microsoft in push to establish e-Government standard
The US software giant has launched a new set of products aimed at standardising the provision of online services to citizens by public administrations. But while Microsoft says the move will help address the fragmentation of Internet services offered by local authorities, competitors argue it may pose a threat to the development of alternative software.Commission weighs up options on eHealth interoperability
The lack of interoperability in systems and services, such as electronic health records, patient summaries, and emergency data sets, has been identified as a major obstacle to the widespread take-up of eHealth application in the EU. The Commission has launched a public consultation on the issue with a view to adopting specific guidelines later in the year.