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Microsoft Caves on EU Antitrust Suit

Must allow even open-source software developers access to Windows

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2007 10:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Microsoft is conceding its 9-year antitrust battle with the EU after striking a deal that will force the software giant to license its software secrets to anyone who asks at drastically reduced rates. In exchange, the EU has stopped the daily variable fines of up to 3 million euro that have been piling up, the Journal reports.

EU antitrust regulators look powerful now, with legal precedent to back tough rhetoric. Microsoft must sell licenses for a one-time 10,000-euro fee, rather than steep royalties. Worse, Microsoft must license to open-source developers, who can now bare Windows’ secrets to the world. How much Microsoft will pay in fines is unclear, but the total could be 1 billion euros.

Microsoft will have to license its software to open source developers in the EU. (Getty Images)

Microsoft today capitulated in its legal battle in the EU (Getty Images)

(Getty Images (by Event))

European Commissioner for Competition Neelie Kroes speaks during a media conference regarding Microsoft at EU headquarters in Brussels, Monday Sept. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (Associated Press)

European Commissioner for Competition Neelie Kroes gestures while speaking during a media conference regarding Microsoft at EU headquarters in Brussels, Monday Sept. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (Associated Press)

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Microsoft Caves on EU Antitrust Suit

Must allow even open-source software developers access to Windows

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Must allow even open-source software developers access to Windows

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Microsoft • European Union • Microsoft Windows • antitrust • Microsoft Vista • lawsuit • source code • European Court

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Microsoft Tries to Appease EU With Blueprints

But skeptical regulators say it's deja vu from US software giant

Microsoft Ruling in Europe Major Blow to Tech Giants

Court upholds record fine and order to share codes

EU Launches Antitrust Probe of Google

Some observers see Microsoft-like trouble ahead

EU Closes Microsoft Antitrust Case

No fines assessed, thanks to deal to add browsers on Windows 7

To Appease EU, Microsoft Offers Browser Choice With Windows 7

Company allows rivals, settles antitrust case

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Newser By Users

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