Microsoft to Comply with EU Deadline

Microsoft confirmed Tuesday that it would respond to a midnight Wednesday deadline to prove that it is complying with the European Union's March 2004 ruling against it. The EU has threatened to fine Microsoft 2 million euros per day if it does not comply.

The company says it is confident that the documentation it plans to file with the European Commission will prove that it is indeed in compliance with the judgment. Microsoft had been ordered to sell a version of Windows without its Media Player software, as well as divulge portions of the Windows Server source code to third parties.

A version of the operating system without Windows Media Player went on sale as Windows XP 'N' in June of last year, and the company opened up portions of the Windows Server source code late last month.

However, exactly what source code would be divulged under the program was not initially detailed, and some analysts speculated that restrictions could still be in place. Thus, the EU's continued pursuit of Microsoft may still be legally justified.

Also, the EU said in response to the release that it was the "quality of the information that counts and not the quantity".

Microsoft has said repeatedly that it would fight the EU decision, and has won the right to an appeal, which would be heard in late April.