Monday, August 3, 2009
Microsoft said it would not separate its Internet Explorer (IE) Web browser from versions of Windows 7 shipped to the European Union when the new operating system launches worldwide in October.
Microsoft said it had abandoned plans to strip IE from the package to avoid breaching EU competition rules, but would instead present customers with a "ballot" option, allowing them to choose whether to install IE or another browser.
Microsoft said the option had been tentatively welcomed by the European Commission, and received positive feedback from computer makers.
The Brussels-based EU executive, which wields broad anti-trust powers, had called on Microsoft to open Windows to different Internet browsers in order to fend off litigation.
Under the new plan, people who buy computers with Windows 7 pre-installed will be presented with the ballot screen when they first connect to the Internet.
It will let new Windows 7 users select and then install Web browsers of their choice to replace IE on their computers, according to Heiner.
Microsoft said it could revert to shipping a Windows 7 E version, without IE included, in the European Union depending on feedback from the European Commission.
The Commission, Europe's top competition watchdog, opened the new front in its epic anti-trust battle with Microsoft in January.
Microsoft recently declared its next-generation Windows 7 operating system ready for delivery to computer makers.
By: DocMemory
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