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Opera alleges that Microsoft is hindering competition by bundling Internet Explorer with Windows and wants the European Commission to either remove the browser from the OS completely, or force Microsoft to install other browsers, such as Opera, alongside it.

The company also alleges that Microsoft should be forced

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to follow "fundamental and open web standards accepted by web authoring communities."

Microsoft says bundling the browser is in the consumer's best interest. "We believe the inclusion of the browser into the operating system benefits consumers, and that consumers and PC manufacturers already are free to choose any browsers they wish," Microsoft responds.

"Internet Explorer has been an integral part of the Windows operating system for over a decade and supports a wide range of web standards. We will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries into these issues."

Microsoft's argument is supported by the emergence of Firefox, which now claims to have around 125 million users, somewhat undermining Opera's suggestions of an uncompetitive market.