EC to test new Microsoft interoperability proposals

Brussels (dpa) – The European Commission on Monday said it was going to market test new Microsoft proposals on interoperability, a move which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to work with Windows PCs and servers.

The Microsoft move came after the Commission insisted that the American software giant must disclose complete and accurate interface documentation to its rivals.

“I am happy that Microsoft has recognised certain principles… I am determined to ensure that all elements are properly implemented. This includes the ability for developers of open source software to take advantage of the remedy,” said European Union competition chief Neelie Kroes.

The Commission said it would submit the Microsoft proposals to its industry peers for their opinion.

A Commission statement said that Microsoft had agreed that it would allow the development and sale of interoperable products on a worldwide basis.

It had also recognised that a category of the information that it is obliged to disclose would be royalty-free.

There was disagreement, however, on whether it would be possible to use certain interoperability information from Microsoft in software products distributed under an open source licence.

The Commission said it was committed to ensuring this was the case.

Microsoft could be hit with a fine of up to 5 million dollars a day if the Commission concludes that its proposals do not allow full interoperability with rival systems.

Kroes did not mention the second of two antitrust violations for which Microsoft could face fines, on which the company also made proposals for compliance.

This covers demands that Microsoft must make its ubiquitous Windows operating system available without Windows Media Player, so that computer makers can buy alternative software, to play films and music.