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TheSentinel

Jul 26 2009, 06:49 PM

QUOTE

Microsoft opens Windows to browser competition

Users to get choice of browser at startup

Iain Thomson in San Francisco

V3.co.uk, 24 Jul 2009

Microsoft has said that it will offer European Windows users a choice of browser as a way of settling its ongoing legal feud with the EU, confirming earlier hints.

Under the proposal European users would be able to download a plug-in which will open a ballot screen, with up to ten competing browsers with a market share of over 0.5 per cent. The browser picked would then be the default browser for the machine (more details here.)
The proposal also gives a commitment not to take any punitive actions against OEMs who ship products with rival browsers preinstalled and guarantees not to cut off any OEM without a 30 day consultation period.

More to read:
http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2246748/micros...windows-browser

Chachazz

Jul 26 2009, 06:53 PM

Not exaclty; in order to avoid Billions $$ in Anti-Trust Fines from the EU, they propose to offer users the Option to Access another Browser - here is the the EU's latest report:

EU Antitrust: MEMO/09/352 Date: 24/07/2009
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction...;guiLanguage=en

The European Commission can confirm that Microsoft has proposed a consumer ballot screen as a solution to the pending antitrust case about the tying of Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser with Windows. This followed extensive discussions with the Commission which centred on a remedy outlined in the January 2009 Statement of Objections (see MEMO/09/15) whereby consumers would be shown a "ballot screen" from which they could – if they wished - easily install competing web browsers, set one of those browsers as a default, and disable Internet Explorer.

Under the proposal, Windows 7 would include Internet Explorer, but the proposal recognises the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice of web browser, and sets out a means – the ballot screen - by which Microsoft believes that can be achieved. In addition OEMs would be able to install competing web browsers, set those as default and disable Internet Explorer should they so wish. The Commission welcomes this proposal, and will now investigate its practical effectiveness in terms of ensuring genuine consumer choice.

Microsoft has also made proposals in relation to disclosures of interoperability information that would improve the interoperability between third party products and Windows and Windows Server. Again, these proposals require further investigation before the Commission reaches any conclusion as to the next steps.

Microsoft's proposals will be published in full on its website.

The Commission has no further comment at this stage.
The Commission is currently considering Microsoft’s reply, and additional evidence in the case. The investigation is continuing.

Chachazz

Jul 26 2009, 06:59 PM

Microsoft Proposal to European Commission - the mentioned "ballot" proposal:

In order to attempt to satisfy non-competition and anti-trust judgements and fines, MS proposes this....

Click to view attachment

All the documents are worthy reading..if you can decipher the legal-ise...
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2...4statement.mspx

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