Microsoft's five-year legal battle in Europe moved into a public courtroom for the first time today as the software giant tries to get the EU's landmark antitrust ruling against it lifted.
The hearing that opened in the EU's second highest court focuses solely on Microsoft's request for the suspension, pending appeal, of EU orders that would force major changes in its business practices and the way computers are used across the globe.
The European Commission found Microsoft guilty in March of abusing its dominant position with the Windows operating system, which runs some 90 per cent of computers worldwide.
It fined the company a record $334 million and ordered it to hand over some software code to rivals in the server market. The commission also ordered the company to offer a version of Windows minus its digital media software, Media Player, to allow rivals a better chance at reaching consumers.
That strikes at the heart of Microsoft's strategy of continuously incorporating new features, at no extra charge, into the operating system to stay on top and expand its business.
The hearing in the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg is key for the European Commission.
Since the final ruling on Microsoft's appeal could take three or more years, the decision on a stay will help determine how effectively EU regulators can deal with rapidly changing industries.
PA