EU continues Microsoft probe

Under the ruling, Vole has to offer an alternative Windows version for sale without its video and music Media Player application. It also has to make technical information available to allow rivals to use their products with the Windows server.

Vole wanted to release a version of Windows that didn't have media player in it. Names were bandied about, but the EU didn't like titles like "Broken Windows, which will probably not work". It felt that might sway customer away from buying the product and instead head towards more the traditional Windows and thus defeat the point.

Kroes and her clan went and market tested market-tested various names of its own and are set to present these to Vole.

She is also looking into Microsoft's licensing plans for technical information. Kroes told the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee it was premature to say whether Microsoft's moves were sufficient.

Kroes is not a shill to be pushed aside so easily by the machinations of the Vole. Recently she shot down a merger of Portugese electricity and gas interests and slapped fines on three chemical groups.

She told hacks that she could not be dismissed as a "pussy cat" when it comes to business, although in private, she found it quite fun, apparently.

"I love that when people are saying that [I am a pussy cat] in private circumstances, but not in business activities,” the closet Catwoman commissioner purred. Let's hope that Steve Ballmer does not rub her up the wrong way then.

More fur flying here. µ