Microsoft files antitrust documents

Microsoft filed revised documents with the European Commission today aimed at complying with a landmark antitrust decision from…

Microsoft filed revised documents with the European Commission today aimed at complying with a landmark antitrust decision from 2004, the European Commission said.

The commission ruled in 2004 that Microsoft had abused its dominant position in the market because Windows, used by more than 95 per cent of the world's personal computers, allowed too little interoperability for other software makers.

The commission's decision required Microsoft to "disclose and license complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers".

The documents were to have been filed by July 2004. Two years later, the commission fined Microsoft €280.5 million ($361 million) for dragging its feet, on top of a fine of almost €500 million in 2004 for its initial violation.

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In a statement calling the submission of documents a "milestone", Microsoft said it had completed the review and editing of some 100 documents, which number 8,500 pages.

Microsoft appealed against the 2004 decision at Europe's second-highest court and is awaiting judgment.