Brussels, 18/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - “In light of market tests, the Commission has serious doubts about Microsoft's application of the interoperability remedy”, the spokesperson of the European Commissioner for Competition confirmed on Friday. The Commission takes the view that rival companies which are supposed to get hold of Microsoft's data protocols (companies specialising in open source software in particular) do not have access to sufficient technical documentation to be able to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the American company issues only all-in-one licences, which may lead buyers to “pay for things they do not need”, the spokesperson commented, adding that the price of the licences also appeared “unjustified”. “There are limits to the Commission's patience”, he warned, stressing that if Microsoft does not apply the decision on the interoperability of software, the Commission may fine it 5% of its daily turnover.
With the analysis continuing of the market tests on the sales of a version of windows without the Media Player software, Microsoft announced in a press release that it “remains fully committed to coming into line with the Commission's decision”, which was adopted a year ago (EUROPE of 25 March 2004).