The European Commission has opened proceedings against US computer firm Microsoft for abuse of its dominant position in its Windows personal computer operating software market, a commission spokeswoman said Thursday.
The commission suspects Microsoft of using its dominant position in providing operating software as a lever to try to control the market for software for servers.
Thursday's move followed a complaint from rival US computer firm Sun Microsystems that Microsoft had breached EU competition rules by a discriminatory licensing policy, and by refusing to supply essential information on its Windows operating system.
The commission has sent Microsoft an official statement of objections, the first stage of proceedings that can lead to legal action, the spokeswoman said.
Microsoft has two months in which to respond – BRUSSLES (AFP)
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