We've been talking about Microsoft and monopolism. I was very astonished that there had been some poeple who don't care about that.
The EU at least does. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/business/7266629.stm

as if they'd care about that little money

Besides that think about who is going to pay that ^^

I would like to know why this fine was imposed! I mean, Microsoft created this code on their own, why in the world would they need to share it?? Of course, if they do, it would mean that more software can be used on their OS, but if they decide not to share, then that is what they CAN do!! The developers should stop whining and realize this is a competitive market, they shouldn't rely on EU to solve their problems! This is pure business, if you don't get the code from Microsoft, focus on Linux or any other OS!! And it is arrogant to judge Microsoft for developing a really good OS at the right time and becoming so successful! I would like to see anyone else in Bill Gate's position - creating an OS that most of us use and then being fined for it!

In short - this fine is bul***it!

EDIT:

Quote:

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Microsoft was also given 120 days to give programming codes to rivals in the server market

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The word that grabbed my attention was RIVALS
The situation where you must share information not with your co-workers, friends or allies, but with your rivals is not normal! EU talks about competition etc. yet they are the ones destroying it! As I mentioned, there are numerous options for software developers to turn to.

Well you can doubt that, that is your choice, but do you have any facts on your side, that are stronger than the fact that Windows is the OS most of the people around the world use? I can answer that for you - No! Because there are many factors that make an OS good, not just stability or open-source capabilities, for example. In the case of Windows this factor is ease-of-use, and judging by the numbers, most of the consumers consider this factor to be important!
By the way, you might get ideas that people don't choose Windows, they are forced to use it, because it comes pre-installed on their PC's, though I can say that that doesn't matter, because they can install a free Linux version on it, nevertheless, if they choose to do it!

Leonardo, there is the competitive order in the eu and everyone putting products on the market in the eu has to stay within these rules, microsoft broke them and has to pay for it now.

Well then, if these rules dictate that Microsoft has to provide the code for their product, then why doesn't the EU fine every software developer out there who is not providing THEIR code? Also, tell me exactly what rules Microsoft must follow in the case of Windows Media Player? This is the one thing that really drives me crazy - the EU says that Windows cannot be bundled together with Windows Media Player, but CAN be sold together with rival products! Where's the sense in that???

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a true MS fan, I'm just using common sense! And before you post comments about my arguments or Microsoft, try to put yourselves in Bill Gate's shoes. Imagine for just a second, that you create an OS. It becomes popular, millions of people start using it. You have worked quite hard to get it all done, then you create a Media Player to go along with your product for free. And you get SUED!! Would it seem normal if you were the one getting sued?

The thing is more about counter-monopoly legislation than about "morals" or whatever.

As Microsoft does have a quasi Monopoly (not matter for what reason they reached it),
the state has to enforce trust laws.
Monopolies can simply take higher prices than a "working" market. (monopolistic rent)
This is why the state has to enforce either a price on the monopolies revenues,
or implement anti-trust limitations.

Since Microsoft violated these anti-trust limitations they have to pay that fine.

The reason for Microsoft might be "un-competative" behavior, or simply that they
made the best running OS for the mass market. I does not really matter.
Monopoly is monopoly.
If Linux where the only OS on the market, beeing fully controlled by "Linus Industries", they would
be treated the same way.