CadCrazy
24-09-2007, 09:56 AM
A European court has reportedly ordered Microsoft to hand over its Windows trade secrets after the software giant lost a 3-year long legal battle over the monopoly it enjoys in the software market.
The European Commission (EC), back in 2004, had decided to slap the company with a record fine of GBP 343 million for abusing its monopoly status.
Upholding the decision, Europe's second highest court has now ruled that the company pay-up the said amount as penalty (read: monopoly fine).
Worse still, the Redmond major has been ordered to hand over its trade secrets (interoperability information) pertaining to its Windows operating system to other players in the market.
The ruling, being viewed as a win-win by consumer groups, is likely to set an important precedent in terms of the obligations of dominant companies -- particularly in high tech industries -- towards their rival players. And, it is expected to make the market more competitive with consumers getting better and cheaper products in the future.
Post the court's decision, Microsoft is bound by the law to act in a manner which spurs rather than stifles competition.
Meanwhile, a bruised Microsoft has responded in a 'politically correct' manner, stating clearly the significance of complying with its obligations as under European law. The company has said the ruling will be studied carefully, and if at all, additional steps will be taken towards compliance.
Source (http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Microsoft_to_Pay_Fine_Trade_Secrets/551-83434-580.html)
The European Commission (EC), back in 2004, had decided to slap the company with a record fine of GBP 343 million for abusing its monopoly status.
Upholding the decision, Europe's second highest court has now ruled that the company pay-up the said amount as penalty (read: monopoly fine).
Worse still, the Redmond major has been ordered to hand over its trade secrets (interoperability information) pertaining to its Windows operating system to other players in the market.
The ruling, being viewed as a win-win by consumer groups, is likely to set an important precedent in terms of the obligations of dominant companies -- particularly in high tech industries -- towards their rival players. And, it is expected to make the market more competitive with consumers getting better and cheaper products in the future.
Post the court's decision, Microsoft is bound by the law to act in a manner which spurs rather than stifles competition.
Meanwhile, a bruised Microsoft has responded in a 'politically correct' manner, stating clearly the significance of complying with its obligations as under European law. The company has said the ruling will be studied carefully, and if at all, additional steps will be taken towards compliance.
Source (http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Microsoft_to_Pay_Fine_Trade_Secrets/551-83434-580.html)