EU Microsoft Ruling Could Set Precedent

With the breakdown of settlement talks between the European Union and Microsoft Corp., the stage is set for the EU to declare that the software company is an abusive monopolist.

With the breakdown of settlement talks between the European Union and Microsoft Corp., the stage is set for the EU to announce next Wednesday a series of antitrust remedies and declare that the software company is an abusive monopolist, thus setting a precedent that will make it easier to prosecute other complaints, including several that are already under investigation.

The expected Wednesday announcement would close one chapter of a series of investigations that have been years in the making. However, a planned company appeal, and the other antitrust inquiries into Microsoft business practices, mean that the software giant might be dealing with antitrust issues in Europe for years to come.

Read the full story at IT World.