European Union threatens Microsoft Vista

CHIEF Vole basher Neelie Kroes, the €uro antitrust commissioner, told Microsoft its future Vista OS can't be sold unless it obeys the rules laid down by the power bloc.

The Wall Street Journal interviewed Neelie Kroes who said the €U must design Vista so it doesn't breach antitrust rules. Or else.

The Journal also quotes Kroes as saying that she sent shy and retiring CEO Steve Ballmer a billet doux last week warning him not to put some security features into the Vista OS and not to allow the IE 7 browser to point only at its own search engine.

During this week the €U will hold in camera meetings to decide whether Microsoft has done enough to comply with previous rulings. If not, the Vole could squeak to the tune of another $100 million in addition to the $600 million fine already levied. µ

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