Slashdot Mirror
Microsoft turns to U.S. for EU Antitrust Help
An anonymous reader writes "The NY times reports that Microsoft has asked U.S. goverment officials to intervene on their behalf in the EU antitrust case. The US (through diplomatic channels) has asked the court to be 'fair'." From the article: "Microsoft has complained frequently in recent months that it has been denied the right to a fair defense in the continuing antitrust case with the European Commission. It has also accused the commission of collaborating with its rivals in the software industry and denying it access to what it contends are vital documents it needs to prepare its defense. A memo written by unidentified government officials in Washington stated that Microsoft's complaints raise 'substantial concerns' about the way Microsoft is being treated, according to a person close to the commission who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the memo."
So when Microsoft plays unfairly with it's competitors it's fine. But when the EU does it to them, they run to daddy?
The EU is angry that a US company can come into the EU and make bank, frustrate rivals in the EU. EU punishes US company.
The US is angry that a US company is being punished, now applies pressure to the EU.
Understand now? Both governments are just "protecting" their people.