Taking Microsoft to war
E-commerce
14 December 2007
A new complaint submitted to the European Union against Microsoft could start a 'Browser War'.
Opera, a small web browser maker, filed its protest yesterday and has alleged that Microsoft is acting unfairly by only offering the Internet Explorer (IE) browser within its Windows software.
Backed by the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS), the Norwegian company also wants Bill Gates' firm to unbundle IE from the package or include other browsers and follow accepted industry standards.
Thomas Vinje, speaking for the ECIS, explained the effects his organisation believes Microsoft's policy has on the market.
"By tying its Internet Explorer product to its monopoly Windows operating system and refusing to faithfully implement industry-accepted open standards, Microsoft deprives consumers of a real choice in internet browsers," he said.
European courts recently threw out an appeal from Microsoft against an earlier judgement and the firm was fined £ 356million.
Internet Explorer is now in its seventh version and claims to provide easier navigation and web search from the tool bar.
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