'No Alternative' To Microsoft Fine

An anonymous reader writes "News.com is running an interview with Neelie Kroes, the competition commissioner for the EU. She confirms that the massive fines to Microsoft are absolutely necessary, and goes into some of the commissions reasons for slapping the giant down." From the article: "Microsoft has claimed that its obligations in the decision are not clear, or that the obligations have changed. I cannot accept this characterization--Microsoft's obligations are clearly outlined in the 2004 decision and have remained constant since then. Indeed, the monitoring trustee appointed in October 2005, from a shortlist put forward by Microsoft, believes that the decision clearly outlines what Microsoft is required to do. I must say that I find it difficult to imagine that a company like Microsoft does not understand the principles of how to document protocols in order to achieve interoperability. "

Comments

Good luck Microsoft

[Bartmoss]

Good luck trying to "reason" with the EU comission. Better men than you have tried. But don't worry: The EU comission is as corrupt as your next favorite politician. Although it might be too late now. The EU is also money-hungry, a sentiment you should know, and with European countries' budgets being what they are, such a fine is something they might not willingly forgoe.

As much as I hate microsoft product...

[Arthur B.]

...this is nothing short of extorsion.