Microsoft has been given a tentative green light by the European Commission to move forward with its still controversial browser bundling plan in Europe.
Microsoft's original reaction to the EC's investigation into browser bundling was to announce a European version of Windows 7 which would ship with no browsers at all.
However, after lengthy talks, this was changed to a ballot page allowing you to choose a browser – something which rivals suggested did not go far enough.
Green light
However, Microsoft has now been given the go ahead to "move forward with formal market testing" of its ballot page.
"The improvements that Microsoft has made to its proposal since July would ensure that consumers could make a free and fully informed choice of web browser. Microsoft has in particular agreed to present users with a first screen explaining what web browsers are," said the EC's statement.
"The Commission's preliminary view is that Microsoft's commitments would address these competition concerns and is market testing Microsoft's proposal in light of these requirements."
Microsoft is understandably pleased with the decision, which effectively allows it to move its plans on in Europe.
"We welcome today's announcement by the European Commission to move forward with formal market testing of Microsoft's proposal relating to web browser choice in Europe," said Microsoft's General Counsel Brad Smith.
"We also welcome the opportunity to take the next step in the process regarding our proposal to promote interoperability with a broad range of our products."
22 October
It's a big moment for Microsoft, who have been accused of years of benefiting from shipping IE with Windows.
The row over browsers in Windows 7 has been going on for a huge amount of time, and on occasions threatened to put a dark cloud over the release of the OS.
However, with a matter of weeks left until the October global release of Windows 7, Microsoft appears to have been shown the path that the EC believes is fair to consumers and rivals alike.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
barneyboy
October 7th
3. No - because Apple do not hold the dominating position that Microsoft hold - that is the whole issue - any company with their dominating marketplace position would have the same problems. Apple have maybe a 10% market share tops
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trevgc
October 7th
2. I totally agree Apple should be made to do the same or what about this Apple OS then Apple browser, Microsoft OS then Microsoft browser and then download what browser you want to use just like it is. Oh and fine the companys who are lazy at not promoting their own product!
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gambol2k9
October 7th
1. Surely now Apple should be forced to do the same thing with their OS?
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