EU could leave Microsoft's reputation in tatters

THE EUROPEAN Competition Commissioner, Neelie Kroes, said that Microsoft should think about damage to its pristine reputation as well as the financial impact of any EC anti-monopoly rulings.

Kroes, who is the person who will decide if Microsoft will have to pay $2.6 million a day in fines, said the Vole should be more concerned about its image.

Microsoft was fined in March 2004 for abusing its dominant market position by failing to make technical information available to rival software frims and for bundling its media player with Windows.

The software giant is appealing the antitrust decision and claims it is already meeting the EU's demands.

Maybe it is following the old Chinese proverb which says: "Don't consider your reputation and you may do anything you like".

Kroes is waiting for Microsoft to "deliver its homework". This will include an essay which explains why the fluffy supplier of software should not be fined, and how much it can do to satisfy the EU's requirements.

But the European Commission breaks for summer recess at the beginning of August and Mme Kroes is still waiting for the Vole to send in the information she requires.

If the paperwork does not arrive before the summer break, she will throw the book at the Volish Burrow in Redmond, she told hacks after a after a financial services conference. µ

L'INQS
seattlepi
marketwatch.com