Microsoft about to start paying $2.5 Million PER DAY fine

The EU strikes back

from WinCustomize Forums

The European Commission is set to fine Microsoft up to $2.5 million per day in response to what it says are anti-trust violations.

In March 2004, the EU fined Microsoft over $500 million for using its monopoly power to get an advantage in server operating systems and in media players.

As some may recall, the EU's remedy was that Microsoft would have to release a version of Windows XP that did not include Windows Media Player.  To make a long story short, the EU has been unsatisfied with Microsoft's progress in executing these remedies.

One might point out that the EU has never alleged that the entire media player market, in which all the major players in it release their players for free, is not valued anywhere near the staggering fines listed. But that's another story.

Microsoft claims it is putting "staggering" resources towards compliance (not including wmplayer.ex_ on the CD would probably be a good first step -- we're willing to help them do that for a mere $100 million).

Stay tuned..

18,242 views 21 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If things went a different way, Microsoft would still be up to their eyeballs in lawyers. People would be suing because they didn't wrap a media player into their systems. Imagine having to pay extra for a media player? It's good to be the king even though you always have peasants nipping at you.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Microsoft will never win. Either they include too many features and programs in Windows, or they don't include enough.
ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds like a broken record....
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That EU bunch can just shove it and try again and again...
Fines are fines and if we pay we pay - if we don't then what the hell~!
They have been trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat for a long time now.
But still no rabbit for their so called magic act. Like Corky O says "it is a broken record!"

I think they are gona miss out on a bunch of good things happening to the rest of the world by carrying around such a stupid thing.

Best of luck to em - they are gona need it and a few other things as well too~!

SGT
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In Oz it's called the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'.....the public 'taking down' of anyone/thing which is successful....
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is a perfect example of why socialism does not work. There is absolutely no incentive for anyone to create something new. If they charge for it then they are greedy. If they give it away then they must be cheating somehow.

I have so many software programs that originally started with a basic idea and have expanded over the years to include everything but the kitchen sink. Nero 7, for example, can burn CDs & DVDs, create covers, play media files (Oh oh, that sounds suspicious), convert one format to another, edit files, and a number of things that I have never even looked at. WinAmp, a free program, just keeps expanding from its original purpose as a basic player for music files. And Wincustomize, which the European Commission would probably say is just a front for the selfish people at Stardock, offers free skins to apply to the products that they sell. And updates for free to anyone who bought their package. Hey, isn't Microsoft selling a package of which Windows Media Player is just one part?

With ivory tower types you can never win since they haven't a clue as to how the real world works.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I thought the EU was complaining about the server documentation at this point. I think the problem is they've been required to produce thousands of pages of technical documentation. It probably takes good peoplea and isn't easy or much fun - would those capable want to do this kind of job?
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
the EU is bein preti stupid. Ther are lots of free media players around, Y cant microsoft offer one?

I enjoy WMP because it integrates so well with microsoft and it's just a pleasure to use, I DONT want to have to pay for it!!!
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm European (Portugal), but I think the European Commission has just plain lost its marbles in this case. They are obviously being lobbyed by the guys behind the other media players, and they're making a fool of themselves for the whole world to see. Microsoft can not comply because that would open the doors to even more madness! What next? Litestep and Aston lobbying the EU for Windows to ship without Explorer?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What next? Litestep and Aston lobbying the EU for Windows to ship without Explorer?


You're right on there, Jorge....it is sheer madness, though I think you should lobby the EU to stop Microsoft including free start menus and taskbars with Windows, cos they're in direct opposition to your lovely Winstep Xtreme....

Oh, and while you're at it, get 'em to stop MS from including wallpapers and icons, etc cos most Winstep themes come with them....

Oh heck, why not get together with Brad and push 'em to do away with the whole Windows GUI...cos you guys have got it all covered.....bugger all the Windows users who don't subscribe, so long as your little corner of the market is happy, hey!!!

Seems to me, MS should tell the EU to shove their fines and just stop shipping Windows products to Europe for a while....just to enfuriate users enough to oust their stupid leaders if they don't back down.

The words ANTI and TRUST (antitrust) are applicable to the fools trying to dictate to Microsoft here....they're anti-MS for insane reasons/covert dealings, and for that, nobody should trust them.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
MS should tell the EU to shove their fines and just stop shipping Windows products to Europe for a while


Now THAT is something I would like to see. The public uproar would be so great that the EU comission would soon be running back to Brussels with their tails between their legs, hehe.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top


If you can't outsmart them.
Fine them.
I guess.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Now THAT is something I would like to see. The public uproar would be so great that the EU comission would soon be running back to Brussels with their tails between their legs, hehe.


Precisely my point...the powers that be obviously don't care about what the public wants...not while they're pandering to the lobbying, whiny assed developers/manufacturers who can't make a true fist of it in an open/competitive market. So yeah, instead of just accepting what elected officials say is right, the public needs to get up the cahoneys to tell these self-serving, self righteous political scumbags what they really want, rather than what they're told they can have.

I'm by no means a MS fanboy, but in this case I'm siding with them. I mean, how on earth is bundling things like a media player, email client and a browser with an OS stifling competition? Consumers will use what they feel comfortable with, what suits their needs best....just because Windows comes with a WMP, Outlook Express and IE, it doesn't stop people installing alternatives such as Winamp, Firefox and Thunderbird...

If the software/products compare, match up, are good enough, consumers will use them....if not, then they don't deserve to be there, period! It should not be a matter for pencil pushing bureaucrats to decide, based on the pathetic lobbying of weaker, incompetitive developers who can't cut it.....the buying public has a mind of its own and must be allowed to exercise free choice.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I see Microsoft just became part of the European Union GNP.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
so.. why arn't they making a fuss over apple including Itunes in its OS?

Me wonders if Microsoft could afford to cut off the european market. Imagine ( musingly ) if dispite the plummet in stock value, growth and expansion needs, and so on - if MS just said 'you know what? this isn't worth our time and money' and threatened to cut off sales in the EU. I wonder how the EU would take that. I wonder what kind of computers they use in Geneva. I would expect them to show a willingness to work with Microsoft.

What blows my mind is the simple fact that MS makes the os - they should be allowed to put whatever the hell they want in it. Don't want media player? well don't buy windows. Their own media player, their own browser, their own anti virus system. Its THEIR product!! PC manufacturers already stack OEM machines with additional choices ( and as we all know, it takes you 5 hours to uninstall all that crap if you do a system restore ). So what if the OS itself comes with media player? Don't know how to use Program Access controls? You shouldn't be installing your own operating system!! You probobly don't know the difference between Music Match and Media Player anyway! EU doesn't care about what's easiest for the customer.

End rant. My question for you all: Is the EU just using Microsoft as a scapegoat under the table of Beoing vs Airbus, and EU vs US Farm Subsidie arguements?
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
just because Windows comes with a WMP, Outlook Express and IE, it doesn't stop people installing alternatives such as Winamp, Firefox and Thunderbird


Ah, but if you ask some developers they will tell you that it does. Netscape has tried for years to convince anyone that would listen that their demise was all Microsoft's fault. Forget that their browser was crap and they wanted to charge $40 for it! I personally agree with you Starkers but there are large groups of people out there who think most computer users are so incapable of installing software that they use the MS bundled apps simply because that is their only option.

Personally, I'd like to see maybe the top 3 apps in the contested markets browser, media player, and e-mail client all offered as an option upon initial setup of Windows. So, when you bring your new computer home from Best Buy for example, since most non-tech savvy individuals buy pre-built systems, your initial setup would include the ability to choose which app you would like to install for each purpose. Of course this doesn't solve all problems because not everyone is going to be familiar with all the options but to that I say the smaller companies will need to do something to get their name out there because no matter what they do if people don't know they exist they can't possibly choose to use their app. I don't however think MS should be forced to advertise for these other companies!

Just my .02!
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
While we're at it, we need to put Ford engines in Chevy vehicles which are built upon Chrysler chassis. Print the owners manual in coded Chinese and only make it available via download from AOL once it has been Googled.
 
Essentially, mixing the pot up so much that the end product is much less stable than the original shaky ground upon which it was built.

I say MS should exercise thier right to revoke their EULA from the EU and turn around and sue them when they fail to remove Windows from their desktops. Of course, you would have to give them, lets say.. 2 weeks to find an alternative....
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why Microsoft anyway? Apple is one big anti-trust violation. Limited software on limited hardware. They're so secretive and protective about everything, so let's sue them to open it up!

Maybe we can merge all software companies together so everyone can play nice. Better yet, we can not have any private companies, and just let the government run everything. Hm...this reminds me of something...
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Me wonders if Microsoft could afford to cut off the european market.


Yeah, I think they could...it'd be less than a week before a public outcry forced the twits to reconsider. As for MS stocks suffering, I think they'd come back better and stronger for Microsoft standing up for its right to design and ship it Oses with ITS OWN software included.

Okay, there should be an option for users to not install additional software that's over and above the OS itself, but nonetheless that software SHOULD be included for those who do WANT to USE it. For example, I do not use Outlook as my default email client, but it's nice to know its there if ever I need to use it. Apple, on the other hand, does not afford users that luxury, well not to the same degree of latitude.

Microsoft, at least, allows for competitors software to be installed on its OSes, and to the best of my knowledge, restricts/prevents none, which is more than can be said for Apple/Mac. Furthermore, MS makes office and email software that can be installed on Mac systems, but Apple do not reciprocate and allow its software to be installed on Windows, apart from the Quicktime player.

So in looking at the bigger picture, how is MS in violation of anti-trust laws when the inclusion of its own media player, email client does not preclude/exclude those of its competitors? The laziness, naivety and education of users in the use of alternatives is not the responsibility of Microsoft, and the sooner these bureaucratic, pencil pushing twits realise this the better for consumers.

Why Microsoft anyway? Apple is one big anti-trust violation


Why? Because Microsoft is the taller of the two poppies...though if someone were successful in bringing MS down, they'd target Apple next, not for anything legitimate, but simply because they're there, open slather to the greedy, profit motivated, ambulance chasing lawyers who created this litigation first mentality.

Perhaps, if we disbarred (better still, executed) these 'warts on the arsehole of humanity' lawyers, the business world/world in general would be a much happier/better place....I'll bring the rope.

Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
[link="http://www.entmag.com/news/article.asp?EditorialsID=7606"]http://www.entmag.com/news/article.asp?EditorialsID=7606">Link

The EU fined MS $357 million USD.

Interesting quote from article: "The European Union also said it would double fine rates to 3 million euros a day --or $3.82 million, at current exchange rates -- starting July 31 unless the company supplies "complete and accurate" technical information to help rivals make software that works smoothly with its ubiquitous Windows operating system."

Microsoft has to help it's rivals? Give me a break.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

For anyone who has used the vista betas, they know this first hand:

The more options, text, dialog boxes, and so on you give people, the more you slow them down, frustrate them, and cause them to simply just click 'ok' whenever a box comes up. It's just not easier to force people to choose. Especially someone new to computers who doesnt know what music player or cd burner they will need to play their shawn mullin albums.

In terms of the easiest computing experience, if you bundle everything all up in one package and offer it to someone activated and configured and ready to go, then you have created a product that people will find easier to use and enjoy. Hello? OSX! ONE FREAKING MOUSE BUTTON!

Keep asking them

Do you want to turn on auto update?

Do you want to turn on your firewall?

Do you want to use passport?

Do you want to install media player?

Do you want to install insternet explorer?

Do you want to use OneLive Care?

Do you want me to turn on that anti phising filteR?

Would you like fries with that?

 

of course i want freakin fries with that JUST WORK ALREADY!!!!!!!

This is bad for computing. It's bad for microsoft.

My question stands:

Is the EU just using Microsoft as a scapegoat under the table of Beoing vs Airbus, and EU vs US Farm Subsidie arguements?