Microsoft ordered to open its Windows

By THIS IS MONEY
Updated:

 

MICROSOFT is being forced to make drastic changes to its business practices in Europe following a court defeat against the European Union. The EU's Court of First Instance has ruled that the American computer sofware giant must divulge some of its trade secrets to competitors.

Microsoft was also ordered to produce a version of Windows software without a music and video-playing programme.

The company's failed appeal against a landmark anti-trust decision in March also landed it a record £331m fine.

Microsoft did not say whether it intends to offer a new version of Windows without the Media Player in Europe alone, or more broadly. But the implications are huge, because consumers want more entertainment software to go with fast-download broadband.

There is also the question of what computer code Microsoft will disclose to competitors. The court said the firm had not shown it might suffer because of the March ruling.

Euopean Union spokesman Jonathan Todd said: 'The March decision will benefit consumers of computer products in terms of choice of media players, choice of work group servers, and also stimulate innovation.'

Most watched Money videos