Microsoft claims fundamental weaknesses revealed in the EC's legal case

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 1 Oct 2004 at 11:32

Microsoft set out its stall in the second day of hearings of its appeal against provisions of the EC antitrust ruling.

Having paid out a record €497mn in fines, Redmond is now setting about ensuring that it will not have to provide a version of Windows without components such as Media Player so that computer makers can use rival players instead.

Microsoft's general counsel Brad Smith summed up yesterday's session: 'Today was a very constructive start to this process and it is clear that the Court has identified the key issues at the heart of this case. The exchanges revealed some fundamental weaknesses in the Commission's case on interoperability. We are looking forward to tomorrow where the discussion will move to the issues around the media functionality in Windows.'

However, Reuters reports that the proceedings were a little more strained. Microsoft lawyers argued that it was being forced to produce a version of Windows it otherwise would not, and would have to use its valued Windows trademark on such a product.

The company also argued that some websites won't work without the Windows Media Player installed and that customers would feel let down when their experience of surfing is plague with such problems.

RealNetworks is due to demonstrate later how alternative players could be used.