EU to pursue antitrust case, despite Windows 7 E

[Slimy]

The EU has decided to pursue its antitrust browser case against Microsoft despite the software giant's decision to unbundle Internet Explorer 8 from Windows 7 in Europe.

Full Story: EU to pursue antitrust case, despite Windows 7 E - Ars Technica

 

[z3r010]

FFS :mad2:

 

[Lebon14]

*sigh*
They would stop it only if Windows would become free or software-less. Damn. Just uninstall it damn it if you don't want it.

For myself, I'm keeping them because some website haven't a large horizon. See what I mean?

 

[Dwarf]

If that is the case, then MS might as well ditch their plans for unbundling IE from W7 and include it anyway. I really don't see what all the fuss is about from the EU - as I have stated here http://www.sevenforums.com/news/12884-windows-7-shipped-europe-sans-ie-2.html#post127765. IE may well be included in the OS, but you are under no obligation to use it.

 

[smarteyeball]

That's one way for Opera to win users :sarc:

. IE may well be included in the OS, but you are under no obligation to use it.

Unfortunately this sort of law is to 'protect' the mums and dads users who don't even realise there is a viable alternative to Internet explorer. (never mind protecting marketshare for rival companies)

Hell, some of these folks think 'Windows" is the internet....

 

[ceejay]

FFS This is making me really angry now

How could the EU possibly think this is a sustainable case. The whole argument has been driven to date by Operas gripe that MS gave IE an unfair advantage by including it in Windows distributions.

So, MS propose exactly that and it's still not good enough for Opera. Instead their true colours are revealed, and what they are really wanting is a free distribution of their software within one of their competitors products.

Can anyone name a single case where a regulator has forced such a wrong-headed resolution on any commercial concern before?!

I think this is going to backfire big time on the EU as it smacks of them giving a particular commercial concern (i.e. Opera) a leg up. Opera certainly aren't doing themselves any favours by seemingly promoting legislation against a competitor to try and obtain a commercial advantage for themselves.

As Firefox has shown, you can grow a market share without resorting to underhand legislative tactics. Opera should give standing on their own two feet a go.

Opera shouldn't be expending effort on this - why don't they just stick to what they do have a USP in - browsers for mobile devices.

 

[Lordbob75]

Hey all.

What does FFS stand for....?
I know EU though.

My opinion on this...............
Its tough. Its not really fair to force something like this on an OS, especially because it IS a competitor (even if Opera isn't used by many. Perhaps they are doing this to boost their usage?)

How I think it should happen:
On OEM copies (as in you buy the OS from a store, not pre-installed) they should give an option to install the browser of your choice. This list would include FF, IE, Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc. Make them check boxes so you can install multiple ones. Also perhaps include a preview of what the browser looks like as well.
Even with this, I bet most people would still choose IE simply because it is the only one they know. Hell, M$ could even set it as a default install if they want, as long as the option is there.

On copies that are pre-installed on a PB computer (ew....) there could be the option on first start-up (with the setup files already on the computer I guess. The only thing with this is that the install files for all of the browsers will still be on there....) to select which browser you would like. Same type of menu, with a preview and everything.

Perhaps it will work, perhaps not. It doesn't bother me, because I just install FF first thing anyways.

~Lordbob

 

[Barman58]

From the horses mouth - official Microsoft Statement

Working to Fulfill our Legal Obligations in Europe for Windows 7 - Microsoft On The Issues

UPDATE: June 11, 2009 – 5:30 p.m. Pacific
Posted by Dave Heiner
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel


Earlier today CNET reported that Microsoft had sent a memo to computer manufacturers and retailers about our plans for Windows 7 in Europe. We’re getting quite a few calls on this, so we thought it would be helpful to explain our plans.
First, a little context. For the past three years Microsoft has been working to develop the next version of our Windows operating system, Windows 7. We’ve taken feedback from literally millions of beta customers to ensure that Windows 7 delivers the power, simplicity and ease-of-use that customers want. We’ve also worked hard to ensure that Windows 7 will promote choice and competition in the computer industry, in keeping with our Windows Principles. We’ve held hands-on workshops with hundreds of industry partners to ensure they have the information they need to build products that work well with Windows 7. Customers running Windows 7 will be able to choose compatible products from among literally thousands of computer manufacturers, peripheral manufacturers, and software vendors.
The worldwide launch of Windows 7 is fast approaching, but a pending legal case raises concerns about the sufficiency of competition among the Web browsers that are available to Windows users in Europe. In January the European Commission provided its preliminary view that Microsoft’s “bundling” of Internet Explorer in Windows violated European competition law.

This update contains a history of Microsoft's fun and games with anti-trust

 

[Lordbob75]

In late 2007 a European browser vendor filed a complaint with the Commission arguing that the reasoning of the WMP case should be applied to Web browsing software as well. We disagreed, but concluded that the most prudent course was to try to address any concerns before releasing Windows 7. Therefore, in September 2008, we told computer manufacturers that we would offer Windows 7 in Europe in two versions, following the approach of the Commission’s 2004 decision: one version with all features included and another version without certain programs (Internet Explorer 8 and WMP). Computer manufacturers could choose either version.
In January 2009 the Commission sent Microsoft a “Statement of Objections.” In it the Commission advised Microsoft of its preliminary view that the inclusion of Web browsing software in Windows violates European competition law. The Commission said in this document that it intends to impose a fine for this. The Commission also said that, with hindsight, the remedy adopted in its 2004 decision was not effective because there was very limited consumer demand for the versions of Windows without media player. We were, of course, disappointed to learn that the approach we took in September 2008 would not adequately address the Commission’s concerns.

So basically, all M$ is doing is offering the COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS the option of buying the pre-installed Browser (and WMP) or having to ADD THEIR OWN. That means that most companies will just buy the pre-installed version so they do not have to spend all that extra time installing their own.

~Lordbob

 

[smarteyeball]

Hey all.

What does FFS stand for....?

Frightened Friars Sing

Fat Families Snuggle

Forgotten Fingers Society

Feeling Flippant Sir

Fap Fap Sore

For F**ks Sake

Farmers Fancy Sows

Fighting Fraudulent Suits

Fat Franks Shadow

*Hint: It's one of the above

 

[Lordbob75]

Frightened Friars Sing

Fat Families Snuggle

Forgotten Fingers Society

Feeling Flippant Sir

Fap Fap Sore

For F**ks Sake

Farmers Fancy Sows

Fighting Fraudulent Suits

Fat Franks Shadow

*Hint: It's one of the above

Haha, thanks.

~Lordbob

 

[Night Hawk]

From the horses mouth - official Microsoft Statement

Working to Fulfill our Legal Obligations in Europe for Windows 7 - Microsoft On The Issues

This update contains a history of Microsoft's fun and games with anti-trust

I ran into that one a day ago. That has the links for both the MS update as well as the lame response seen from the EU! Microsoft already made the first move by leaving the option open to manufacturers to offer a choice or select a different browser apparently to no avail!

 

[Captain Zero]

The funny thing is, how are the mindless masses going to download a browser without a browser installed?

Microsoft should have the last laugh by charging for all the support calls they'll be getting.

 

[holo88]

Hell, some of these folks think 'Windows" is the internet....

LOL that reminds me.. when i first got my cable modem, my dad asked "How's the reception?". I didnt know what to say....how do you respond to that?

 

[Night Hawk]

The funny thing is, how are the mindless masses going to download a browser without a browser installed?

Microsoft should have the last laugh by charging for all the support calls they'll be getting.

They'll just make up for the millions shelled out in fines that's all! :roflmao:

LOL that reminds me.. when i first got my cable modem, my dad asked "How's the reception?". I didnt know what to say....how do you respond to that?

Easy just find the home page for Youtube or another site with a full screen viewing option and have him come in and look at a video playing! Need one? Scroll down the page about 1/2 way at UX Evangelist: Windows 7 NUI: Stepping Beyond the GUI That'll work!

 

[ukgovsucks]

It's bloody pathetic!
This is another reason why I want our UK out of the EU. They're f**kin stupid!

 

[burtie]

You got to love the EU!

No wonder the EU and UK consumers get shafted in so many diffrent ways by companys, its probably because of all the crap theyhave to go through to get thier stuff released over here!

I dont use IE but i need it when I first install my OS so that I can download another one. As long as I can get rid of it after I am happy.

Even if they did give people a choice of which browser to install with a new computer what is the bet they will pick IE as thats what they know anyway?

lol

 

[banderz777]

Well I lived in Germany for a long time and I remember when this first started, and I said to myself, WHY why do people or should I say the Bureaucratics worry what is being used, just because one person don't like it, Then just don't use it, and why is it always Microsoft. I do believe also that Apple also has it's browser installed in it's OS, So why not go after Apple for having it installed on their OS or is it just about MONEY I think the EU should do more for the people then worrying about what browser is installed.

That is just how I think.

 

[digitalrurouni]

I think this is the way EU is making up for their budget deficit

 

[petrossa]

Their budget is just that what member countries pay. As such they can't have a deficit see paragraph 3 here:

The European Union Budget at a glance

Fines collected are redisitibuted amongst the membercountries based on their contribution. The EU itself gains nothing from this, except protecting the gullible from companies making 7000% profit on their products by usurping their virtual monopoly.