Digital Journal — Oh, how a $357 million (US) fine will force a company to whistle a different tune. A week after the European Commission bashed Microsoft with a mind-boggling fine, the antitrust-addicted Microsoft recently unveiled a 12-step recovery program that could be called PR spin, but what the software giant calls “Windows Principles.”
“Our goal is to be principled and transparent as we develop new versions of Windows,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft General Counsel, according to a Microsoft release. These voluntary principles include promises to license Windows in a way that makes it easy to install non-Microsoft programs. Plus, Windows won’t “block access to any lawful Web site or impose any fee for reaching any non-Microsoft web site.”
Strange, it’s not like that has happened before. Microsoft hasbeen found guilty of blocking access to third-party browsers (like Opera), and it’s always been MSN doing the stiff-arming, not Windows.
In the last group of principles, Microsoft said it was committed to enabling companies to control and exchange data across diverse computer systems and applications.
Is this Goliath softening its stance in the face of criticism? At the very least, Microsoft is providing a guide that could hold them accountable if they renege on one of their own promises. The announcement also lets PC manufacturers become more flexible in configuring their products for customers.
It remains to be seen how closely Microsoft will adhere to its own advice, and how tech competition will flourish in the future. For the moment, Microsoft watchers can debate on whether the principles cater to bruised and bitter companies or appease the always-watchful press.
