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EC gives two fingers to Microsoft's browser-free Windows 7
Hey, Microsoft! The EC heard you wanted to make a concession yesterday and were considering stripping IE8 from Windows 7 in Europe. Well, they've got two words for you: Nice try.
The Commission's press release this morning states "As for retail sales...the Commission had suggested to Microsoft that consumers be provided with a choice of web browsers. Instead Microsoft has apparently decided to supply retail consumers with a version of Windows without a web browser at all. Rather than more choice, Microsoft seems to have chosen to provide less."
Oddly, though, they also minimize the importance of the retail channel, noting that it accounts for a paltry 5% of sales.
On the OEM front, it's a another story: "As for sales to computer manufacturers, Microsoft's proposal may potentially be more positive. It is noted that computer manufacturers would appear to be able to choose to install Internet Explorer – which Microsoft will supply free of charge - another browser or multiple browsers."
Would appear to be able to choose? How would they not be able to choose which browser to load on an OS that ships browser-free? They choose to load plenty of other bloat right now, so dumping a browser or four on their PCs really shouldn't be too tough.
As for the beef with retail, Microsoft can't win that one. If they ship no browser, users have no way of downloading an alternative. If they choose to list some browsers, the companies who are passed over will cry foul - and there are a lot of people developing web browsers (see Wikipedia). The EC, of course, is pushing a 'ballot screen' though I've seen no mention of which browsers will appear on it or how they will be selected in a fair and impartial manner.
What it boils down to is that the EC wants to decide how bad a boy Microsoft has been since 1996 and what kind of penance it needs to do.
Pro tip, EC: Windows 7 is due to ship soon, and Microsoft is making an effort here (gasp!). Maybe it's time to come to a consensus already.
The Commission's press release this morning states "As for retail sales...the Commission had suggested to Microsoft that consumers be provided with a choice of web browsers. Instead Microsoft has apparently decided to supply retail consumers with a version of Windows without a web browser at all. Rather than more choice, Microsoft seems to have chosen to provide less."
Oddly, though, they also minimize the importance of the retail channel, noting that it accounts for a paltry 5% of sales.
On the OEM front, it's a another story: "As for sales to computer manufacturers, Microsoft's proposal may potentially be more positive. It is noted that computer manufacturers would appear to be able to choose to install Internet Explorer – which Microsoft will supply free of charge - another browser or multiple browsers."
Would appear to be able to choose? How would they not be able to choose which browser to load on an OS that ships browser-free? They choose to load plenty of other bloat right now, so dumping a browser or four on their PCs really shouldn't be too tough.
As for the beef with retail, Microsoft can't win that one. If they ship no browser, users have no way of downloading an alternative. If they choose to list some browsers, the companies who are passed over will cry foul - and there are a lot of people developing web browsers (see Wikipedia). The EC, of course, is pushing a 'ballot screen' though I've seen no mention of which browsers will appear on it or how they will be selected in a fair and impartial manner.
What it boils down to is that the EC wants to decide how bad a boy Microsoft has been since 1996 and what kind of penance it needs to do.
Pro tip, EC: Windows 7 is due to ship soon, and Microsoft is making an effort here (gasp!). Maybe it's time to come to a consensus already.
Comments
27
Subscribe to commentsDustin SabeckyJun 12th 2009 3:41PM
So once Firefox becomes the top dog, will Ubuntu and the other 99% of Linux distro's have to include other browsers just because EU said so? It's garbage.
It's Microsoft's product, if you don't like that IE is in Windows, don't use it. If you despise Microsoft for including software in THEIR OWN SOFTWARE, don't use Windows.
If you "have" to use Windows because of your situation and don't want IE, think of it this way..
Do you like paying taxes? Of course not. Are you going to pay them anyway? Of course.
Opera, I love your browser, but quit being a baby.
FranklinJun 12th 2009 4:17PM
Er, if there's no browser at all on Windows, then how does one download and install a browser?
I think the solution is that Microsoft should not be allowed to prevent manufacturers (i.e. Dell, HP, etc.) who choose to install Firefox or another browser onto the Windows computers they sell.
For example, if Apple makes a deal with Dell so that Safari is included on the desktop of every Windows 7 PC or notebook it sells, Microsoft should not be allowed to restrict this deal.
KiernonJun 14th 2009 2:19PM
This is what you get with socialism: A self-important government with nothing better to do than to meddle in affairs they have no expertise in or value to add.
The EU got involved because Opera complained that they didn't have a fair shot at being on Windows. Frankly, nobody cares except Opera. Their browser is interesting, but not that interesting. But since Opera is a European browser, the EU has decided to throw around its weight - just because it can.
RyanJun 14th 2009 7:36AM
They should sell the OS in EU browser-free, turn on Automatic Updates, and set Windows Update to download & install IE8 and set it to default the first time the OS starts.
As I've said before, when Mozilla or the group behind Opera build their own Operating System, then they can include their browser in it. Microsoft should have free reign as to what components they include. The EU isn't trying to be fair to other browsers, it's simply trying to kill IE.
SilverWaveJun 14th 2009 3:25PM
Yeah like the EU are going to let the guilty party decide the sentence!
Firefox and Safari and Chrome are going to be on the Install Disk of Windows 7 - Balmer & Bill are going to LOVE that... heh.
Oh Oh cherry on top is to address the previous tying - the same offer to all previous users of XP & Vista in the EU via Windows Update...
Oh Oh Oh! a *HUGE* fine as well \tears of laughter
Linux Hater^3Jun 15th 2009 2:20PM
I think Microsoft has an unfair advantage in distributing their Solitaire game. I think the EU should step in and force them to include GNOME Aisleriot.
JamesJun 18th 2009 1:06AM
Just wanted to chip in that everybody who has ever played a role in the EC perpetuating this farce can die in a fire.
That's it. Carry on.