Redmond-based software giant Microsoft
Corporation(NASDAQ:MSFT) is trying to dispel concerns in Europe that it is
indulging in restrictive practices by blocking customers’ ability to choose
between different browsers.
Anti-trust regulators in the European Union are
probing the software firm to verify claims from computer makers that it is
blocking them from installing web browsers other than Internet Explorer on its
new Windows operating system.
European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said on Saturday
that Microsoft has expressed its willingness to introduce suitable measures
that would address many of the concerns.
"In my personal talks with Microsoft CEO Steve
Ballmer he has given me assurances that they will comply immediately regardless
of the conclusion of the antitrust probe," Almunia said at an economic
conference in northern Italy, adding that he considered the matter a
"very, very serious issue."
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The current investigations were started in July after
claims were received that the U.S. company was not adhering to agreements made
with regulators three years ago that it would offer users a choice of
downloading other web-browsers.
In its latest spat with the U.S. group, the EU
watchdog is also looking into allegations that Microsoft does not provide
access to complete interfaces (APIs) for non-default browsers in Windows 8,
Reuters reported.
Meanwhile addressing a separate issue Almunia said he
was in favour of extending a temporary authorization for state aid for stricken
Franco-Belgian bank Dexia beyond a September 30. deadline.
"But the most important thing is to advance on a
final, structural solution about the future of the Dexia group," he said.
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