Intervenors Named in Microsoft EU Antitrust Case (
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A stripped-down version of Windows, without the bundled media player, is on hold.A Luxembourg court has granted nine parties the right to participate in Microsofts ongoing antitrust case between the software company and the European Competition Commission.
Meanwhile, one of the key remedies imposed on Microsoft by the commission, the introduction of a stripped-down Windows, is on hold while the commission evaluates new proposals for the softwares brand name, Microsoft said.
The intervenors on the side of the commission include RealNetworks and the FSF (Free Software Foundation) Europe, but Novell and the CCIA (Computer & Communications Industry) wont be participating following settlements with Microsoft.
On Microsofts side are two industry associations and several IT companies, according to the Luxembourg-based CFI (Court of First Instance).
Click here to read more about Real Softwares opposition to Microsofts effort to patent the IsNot function in BASIC languages.
The commission last year fined Microsoft a record 497 million euros ($667 million) and ordered the company to provide European consumers with a version of Windows without a bundled media player, and to share server protocols with competitors.
Read more here about Microsoft updating its Windows Media Player to thwart spyware infections.
In December the CFI denied Microsofts request that the remedies be delayed, and the company is now in the process of complying.
In the meantime Microsofts appeal of the overall case will proceed before a panel of five CFI judges, headed by Judge Hubert Legal, but is unlikely to be resolved for several years.
Intervenors have the right to file papers in the case and to present legal arguments before the court.
They will also have access to the cases legal filings, which will be unavailable to the public.
To participate, companies had to prove the cases outcome would have a direct impact on their business.
On Microsofts side are the ACT (Association for Competitive Technology) and the CTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), as well as Swedish business software maker Exor.
A fourth intervenor is a grouping of two companies, Norways Mamut and Italys Teamsystem, both of which make enterprise software.
The fifth intervenor is another group, made up of consumer-oriented IT companies DMD Secure.com, MPS Broadband, Pace Micro Technology, Quantel and Tandberg Television.
Next Page: Gaining the commissions approval.
