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The European Commission is to investigate whether member states have procured computer systems based on specific suppliers. Specifically, that Intel was favoured by certain government agencies in the contract process, which would break Commission rules.

Italy and Germany will be the first to face investigation, reports CNet. It quotes a spokesman for the European Commission as saying: 'We received some

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complaints about the procurement of computers in several member states and began looking into this last year. We have an open procurement process here, and these rules do not allow for asking for products from a specific supplier, or if you do, you must also say, "or the equivalent".'

While Italy and Germany may be first, the Commission is reportedly also in talks with Austria, France and Belgium, among other countries.

Earlier this week - AMD seeking 600,000 documents for EC Intel probe - AMD took Intel to the US Supreme Court today in a bid to release documents. It reportedly plans to turn the documents over to the European Commission as part of its claim that Intel has engaged in anti-competitive behaviour.

The EU case began following complaints by AMD in October 2000 that Intel was threatening retaliation against OEMs who used AMD chips.

Last week, both Intel and AMD's offices were 'visited' by Japanese trade officials investigating anti-competitive practices.