Microsoft is making some concessions to the European Commission
in the hope of addressing its antitrust concerns, according to
reports by the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. The
European Competition Commissioner has the power to fine the company
up to 10% of its worldwide turnover.
Microsoft has offered to provide a licence for one piece of
technology and waive its rights to another which will make it
easier for competitors to achieve compatibility with Microsoft
products.
A lawyer for Microsoft Europe is quoted in both newspapers
saying that the licensing concessions “addressed directly the two
chief concerns” detailed in a Commission statement of objections to
the company’s practices which was published last August.
