Symantec Talking to EU About Microsoft

Symantec last week said that it would complain to the European Union about Microsoft's planned security products for enterprise customers, press reports indicated.

According to Symantec, the company was "asked" by the EU to provide information on its role in the security industry, however the company said it had not yet filed a formal complaint.

The move could potentially set the stage for a new case against Microsoft, as the European Commission must now decide whether the allegations rise to the level of antitrust violations.

But despite talking to the EU, Symantec's relationship with Microsoft is still strong publicly. Last week, the two companies joined to share information about new virus threats and best practices, as well as beta release through the SecureIT Alliance.

Microsoft told BetaNews in an interview last Wednesday that it would not hide any Windows-related security information from its partners.

Speaking in February at the 2005 RSA Conference, Symantec CEO John Thompson brushed off concerns that Microsoft would enter the security business. "I don't plan to go to the Justice Department and whine about Microsoft's monopoly," he said. "I'd rather fight Microsoft in the marketplace, because I'm sure we'll whip them."

Last year, the EU fined Microsoft 497 million euros over violations surrounding the bundling of Windows Media Player and other anti-competitive behavior.