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Microsoft pledges `solutions` in EU anti-trust case
Brussels, Nov 14: Microsoft has pledged to `work things out` with the EU`s competition watchdog in what it called constructive talks over an anti-trust probe that could have far-reaching consequences for the us software giant.
Brussels, Nov 14: Microsoft has pledged to "work things out" with the EU's competition watchdog in what it called constructive talks over an anti-trust probe that could have far-reaching consequences for the us software giant.
But Microsoft chief lawyer Brad Smith yesterday gave no concrete signs of what solutions could be found, after the Seattle-based firm completed its initial presentation to the European commission on the second day of a three-day hearing.
And a representative of key Microsoft rivals said Microsoft is struggling to convince the Brussels commission.
"The only way a settlement could be possible is if somehow the EU would capitulate the way the US and Justice Department did," said Ed Black, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, which includes Oracle Corporation, Nokia, Sun Microsystems and others.
Microsoft secured a settlement with the US Justice Department in November 2001 that was condemned by other firms as inadequate. Appeals against the settlement are drawing to a close.
Microsoft's chief legal counsel was upbeat in his only public declaration so far during the Brussels hearings.
"I do really want to underscore one thing, which is that we come to Brussels not only to discuss the issues but to work things out," he told reporters in a break from the closed-door talks, which end Friday.
Microsoft could face upwards of three billion dollars in fines and be forced to make substantial changes to how it markets its all-conquering windows operating system if found guilty of using its dominance to crush rivals. Bureau Report
And a representative of key Microsoft rivals said Microsoft is struggling to convince the Brussels commission.
"The only way a settlement could be possible is if somehow the EU would capitulate the way the US and Justice Department did," said Ed Black, president of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, which includes Oracle Corporation, Nokia, Sun Microsystems and others.
Microsoft secured a settlement with the US Justice Department in November 2001 that was condemned by other firms as inadequate. Appeals against the settlement are drawing to a close.
Microsoft's chief legal counsel was upbeat in his only public declaration so far during the Brussels hearings.
"I do really want to underscore one thing, which is that we come to Brussels not only to discuss the issues but to work things out," he told reporters in a break from the closed-door talks, which end Friday.
Microsoft could face upwards of three billion dollars in fines and be forced to make substantial changes to how it markets its all-conquering windows operating system if found guilty of using its dominance to crush rivals. Bureau Report