Brussels, 12/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - According to the preliminary conclusions reached by experts within the European Commission's DG Competition on the investigation opened almost three years ago against Microsoft, the IT giant is indeed in breach of European competition rules due to abuse of its dominant position, the Reuters Agency states. Microsoft could have two remedies proposed to it, which would commit the group far beyond the amicable agreement reached with the United States last year. On one hand, Microsoft should provide its competitors with information allowing the use of server software other than Windows NT to make its Windows system work correctly. The other obligation the group would perhaps have to face is that of separating the multimedia software Media Player from Windows, in which it is currently automatically incorporated. While Microsoft competitors (notably Apple Quicktime and Real Networks) greatly insist on the injury that has been done to them because of the automatic coupling, Microsoft insists on the advantage to be gained by consumers. Furthermore, Bill Gates' group states, consumers may easily delete Media Player to replace it with the rival product of their choice. The Commission is not insensitive to this argument and will assess to what extent Windows users will avoid injury if there is not an automatic link with Media Player. Reuters specifies that the conclusions reached by experts have not yet reached the office of Commissioner Monti and are therefore likely to be amended on the way. It may take several more months to finalise the decision.