Microsoft Corp., hounded by the Europe Union (EU) for anti-competitive behaviour regarding the pre-installation of Internet Explorer on Windows-equipped PCs, has said it will enable future European computer buyers to choose their preferred browsing platform.
IE\'s dominance set for yet more decline? Image: Microsoft.
In making concessions designed to help settle anti-trust cases brought before it by the European Commission, Redmond-based Microsoft has agreed to present new PC owners with an introductory browser screen (a.k.a. the ‘ballot screen’) that explains the online browser experience and offers Internet Explorer alongside rival alternatives.
“I’m absolutely of the opinion that this is a trustful deal that we’re making. I trust Microsoft,” outlined EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes regarding the software company’s concession.
“There can’t be a misunderstanding,” the commissioner said. “Here is the final result of a long discussion over a long period.”
Microsoft’s willingness to offer a browser ballot screen comes after the American software giant bowed to EU pressure in July and agreed to work against accusations of anti-trust by providing PC users with the power of choice.
As a result, the introductory browser screen will offer up a selection of 12 viable browser installations that can be used in addition to, or instead of, Microsoft’s dominant Internet Explorer. The agreement between Microsoft and the EU Commission is expected to last five years.
“We welcome today’s announcement by the Europe Commission [EC] to move forward with formal testing of Microsoft’s proposal relating to web browser choice in Europe,” said Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith in a statement.
“We also welcome the opportunity to take the next step in the process regarding our proposal to promote interoperability with a broad range of our products,” he added.
Microsoft has, thus far, been hit with EU antitrust fines of €497 million Euros in connection to the market dominance Internet Explorer has enjoyed thanks to the pre-installation of Windows on the vast majority of PC systems.
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