Microsoft and EU Talks End

Posted by michael on Thursday March 18, 2004 @02:18AM from the should-have-used-bootlicking-skill dept.

Paul Longford writes "Microsoft talks with the EC have collapsed. The competition commisioner Mario Monti just made this statement in which he said: 'I'd just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible. I therefore intend to propose to my colleagues in the Commission next Wednesday to adopt a decision, which has already received the unanimous backing of Member States.' This is bad news for Microsoft - it looking at a considerable fine and possibly being forced to open up Windows. It looks like it will be a harsh decision too. Monti says: 'In the end, I had to decide what was best for competition and consumers in Europe. I believe they will be better served with a decision that creates a strong precedent.'"

4 of 1,028 comments (clear)

Careful.. by Anonymous Coward · 2004-03-18 02:23 · Score: 5, Funny

MS contributes a lot of money to both US political parties.. Europe may need "liberating" soon..
1. Re:Careful.. by azzy · 2004-03-18 03:11 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  *ring-ring ring-ring*
  Bush: Hi .. is Mr Blair there?
  Blair: Yes.. speaking, how can I help you?
  Bush: I'm taking us to war.. against this place called Europe, are you in?
  Blair: Uhmm.. *worried* no.. I don't think I can help..
  Bush: Pleeeease.. I need someone to show me where it is.. I was never good at this jog-raphy thing.
  Blair: Oh.. yes.. ok.. I'll join in.. I can show you what bits you need to bomb.. *aside to secretary* Get me maps of France!
Re:It's about time. by Peden · 2004-03-18 02:34 · Score: 5, Funny

And sadly, that will make slashdot redundant.
Re:OK so they get fined and told how to distribute by I_Want_This_ID · 2004-03-18 03:07 · Score: 5, Funny

Yeah! I was totally unaware of Microsoft's anti-competitive monopolistic behavior until this ruling. All my friends were shocked as well.