Microsoft about to start paying $2.5 Million PER DAY fine
The EU strikes back
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
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..
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Reply #21 Wednesday, July 12, 2006 11:33 PM
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?