EU fines Microsoft a record $1.3 billion

[Ehstii]

EU fines Microsoft a record $1.3 billion
Regulators: Software giant has defied 2004 antitrust ruling[hr]

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission fined Microsoft a record $1.3 billion Wednesday for defying sanctions imposed on the software giant in 2004 for antitrust violations, far exceeding the original penalty.

EU regulators said the company charged “unreasonable prices” until last October to software developers who wanted to make products compatible with the Windows desktop operating system. (read more here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23366103))


soure: MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23366103)

[SK-1]

Ouch! So much for buying any more companies for a while.

[lemonadesoda]

That's an insane amount of money for not "sharing a bit of information". I would like to suggest that there is a significant amount of software that have been developed in Europe without the need for "hidden secrets". I dont believe that MS many so much additional profit due to this IP.

There are many other "near monopolies" in EU that are not forced or fined into submission. While I think it is correct for the EU to ensure there is a fair playing field for competition, I dont think that should go so far as enforcing IP holder to disclosed all their IP.

I would like to apply the same brush to many EU governments who DONT open up their accounts, especially of politicians expense accounts. May those governments and individuals be equally FINED for not disclosing information that is CRITICAL to our ability to vote in good governance and vote out corruption.

[craigwhiteside]

rofl, i know now why we have this smiley :nutkick:

[Ehstii]

request to move post to "news"?

[Ahhzz]

Ouch! So much for buying any more companies for a while.
heheh maybe not :)

Bill Gates Net Worth: 2007: $59 Billion (http://www.billgatesmicrosoft.com/networth.htm)

[newtekie1]

And Bill Gates was heard laughingly saying "Would you like that now, or should I just mail you a check?"