Microsoft's efforts to end monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO, NOV. 28. The Software titan Microsoft, after years of fighting off monopoly charges, is now spending its recent days trying to settle allegations of anti-trust behaviour. But a growing number of opponents just would not play along.

Microsoft yesterday announced it was waiving its right to a European Commission hearing on anti-competitive practices. The case mirrors charges brought by U.S. anti-trust attorneys, who have charged the company of using its market share in computer software to ruin its competitors. Microsoft's Windows Operating System - also called OS - is the crucial software that enables a computer to run other applications. Windows is installed on almost 95 per cent of the world's desktop computers.

``We announced today in Brussels that we would waive our right to an oral hearing in the European matters and focus on continuing the dialogue with the commission," a spokesman told AFP by telephone yesterday.

A hearing had been set for December 20 and 21 on the probe launched by the EU.

Among other things, the commission is investigating whether Microsoft deliberately designed its new Windows XP system so it would not inter-operate with other companies' software for items such as media players for audio and video.

Regulators from around the world have been complaining that Microsoft uses this technique to starve out competitors.

The Wall Street Journal report yesterday said, Brussels might levy a fine Microsoft $2.5 billions and force it to alter its Windows XP operating system.

Also yesterday, Apple Computer CEO, Mr. Steve Jobs, criticised a settlement proposed to end private U.S. anti-trust suits against Microsoft, saying the deal would extend Microsoft's monopoly to the classroom. Microsoft is accused by individuals of using its monopoly market share to artificially inflate the price of its OS.

- AFP

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Section  : Business
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