Brussels, 27/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on Friday 24 July, the European Commission confirmed that the US information technology giant, Microsoft, has proposed making a Window 7 version available in the EU, whereby consumers would be shown a "ballot screen" from which they could - if they wished - easily install competing web browsers (such as Firefox or Opera) and set one of those browsers as a default. Microsoft has also made proposals in relation to disclosures of interoperability information that would improve the interoperability between third party products and Windows products.
Microsoft's proposal constitutes a response to two anti-dominant position procedures launched by the Commission. On 15 January last, the Commission accused the hi-tech conglomerate of distorting competition and tying it Windows operator system to its Internet Explorer. It also indicated that it intended to force Microsoft to propose browsers rivalling Internet Explorer in Windows, such as Firefox and Opera. Last year, the Commission launched a probe following a complaint lodged by ECIS (the European Committee for Interoperable Systems), which criticised Microsoft for not having divulged information that would have allowed publishers to elaborate programmes compatible with its products.
In the Windows case, the Commission indicated that the Microsoft proposal recognised that consumers should have the choice of internet browsers. Microsoft has proposed a consumer ballot screen as a solution, whereby consumers would be shown a "ballot screen" from which they could - if they wished - easily install competing web browsers, set those as default and disable Internet Explorer should they so wish. On 15 July, Microsoft launched a pre-sales advertising operation for the future Windows 7, without Internet Explorer 8. The Commission underlined that it had expected measures allowing browser consumer choice and not for Windows to be supplied without a browser. Microsoft appears to have won out with its most recent proposal. In any event, the Commission will now examine the proposal before drawing definitive conclusions. (O.L./trans/rh)