Microsoft EU Antitrust: A Case History

The European Unions challenge to Microsofts desktop hegemony has been history-making from the start nine years ago. Heres a look at the highlights from Microsoft Watchs Joe Wilcox.

Sun files complaint about server interoperability.

EU conducts an investigation of Microsoft, including legal filings and hearings.

EU rules that Microsoft violated local antitrust laws by bundling the media player with Windows and by unfairly leveraging its desktop monopoly into the server market.

EUs Competition Commission orders Microsoft to release the second version of Win

Microsoft and Sun settle the differences that were raised in the original 1998 complaint.

Microsoft appeals the antitrust ruling to the Court of First Instance.

Microsoft asks the Court of First Instance to suspend remedies pending appeal.

Microsoft settles with complainants CCIA (Computer & Communications Industry Association) and Novell.

Microsoft loses appeal to stay—or put on hold—the antitrust remedies.

Microsoft announces the second, European version of Windows will be called Reduced Media Edition.

Following EUs ire over Reduced Media Edition, Microsoft agrees to change the name of its second Windows version for Europe. The product is later renamed N.

EU issues another warning about Microsofts compliance with the antitrust remedies.

Microsoft releases the Windows N Edition in Europe.

Microsoft settles with EU complainant RealNetworks.

EU appoints British cybercrime expert Neil Barrett as technical advisor to the case.

Microsoft submits protocol technical documentation.

EU files a Statement of Objection.

Microsoft offers up access to Windows Server source code as a way of complying with EU interoperability orders. Some developers call the source code access a poison pill.

Microsoft files response to EUs December 2005 Statement of Objection.

Court of First Instance holds hearing on Microsofts appeal.

The EU fines Microsoft $357 million for failing to properly disclose protocol information.

Microsoft resubmits protocol technical documents to the EU.

EU files formal rejection to Microsoft protocol licensing royalties.

Court of First Instance largely rejects Microsofts appeal, upholding core antitrust findings and remedies imposed against the company.

See more slideshows like this one!

• eWEEK Labs Walk-Through: Virtual Iron 3.5