The EU has given a tentative thumbs up to Microsoft’s plans to offer Windows users a choice of browser at the point of installation.
The Microsoft proposal would allow all current and future users of Windows to choose from a range of web browsers, and the company won’t be allowed to force manufacturers to use Internet Explorer.
The European Commission says it will seek comments from consumers, software makers and computer manufacturers on the proposed remedies, which are designed to tackle competition concerns over the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows.
Interested parties have until 7 November to comment on the proposed remedies offered by the US software giant.
“The Commission’s preliminary view is that Microsoft’s commitments would indeed address our competition concerns,” says EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes. “Hopefully we can take a decision before the end of the year.”
The browser ballot would have a direct and immediate impact in the market, Kroes claims, adding that the proposed commitment would remain in place for five years.
Microsoft has welcomed the EU move. “For Microsoft, today’s decision is a significant step toward closing a decade-long chapter of competition law concerns in Europe,” the firm says in a statement.
The EU executive says it’s also satisfied with Microsoft’s improvements in the field of interoperability which the firm will publish on its website.
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