XP Given Green Light in Europe
Despite increased pressure from the European Commission over antitrust concerns, Microsoft confirmed today that the Commission will not seek to block the launch of Windows XP. The Commission also merged two cases against Microsoft, one focusing on Windows Media Player and another covering Windows 2000 in the server market. There are no plans, however, to involve Windows XP -- set to debut October 25 -- in the investigation.
"Microsoft has long believed that the merger of these two cases is a prerequisite to a resolution of the company's issues in Brussels and therefore welcomes this merger as a constructive step in the ongoing dialogue on these issues," the software giant said in a statement.
The Commission today raised two new questions over the inability to remove its Media Player from Windows and Microsoft's licensing practices for business customers. It claims competitors such as QuickTime and RealPlayer are at an extreme disadvantage.
Microsoft quickly responded to the announcement. "We are confident that once it has completed its investigation, the European Commission will be assured that we run our business in full compliance with EU law," stated President of Microsoft EMEA, Jean Philippe Courtois.
"We take our responsibilities in Europe very seriously, working hard to ensure that Windows works well with products from other companies," he said.
Microsoft also reiterated that Windows Media Player has had prominent placement in the company's operating systems since 1990.