EU Fines Microsoft $1.3 Billion 699
jd writes "The EU has slammed Microsoft with a fine of €899 million ($1.337 billion at current exchange rates) for perpetuating violations of the 2004 antitrust ruling.The fine is the sum of daily fines running from June 21, 2006 to October 21, 2007. It is the first company ever to be fined for non-compliance. The amazing thing is that the EU now expects Microsoft to comply and 'close a dark chapter' in their history. The EU has opened new investigations into Microsoft's practices and gave a lukewarm response to the company's turning over yet another new leaf last week."
Well... (Score:5, Funny)
Apparently linux is the new kid on the block (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Even as an MS fan, good... (Score:1, Funny)
You hate your own pet?
Re:Apparently linux is the new kid on the block (Score:2, Funny)
Maybe you don't remember 1992 that well, but I do.
Yes, Linux emerged much at the same time as NKOTB [wikipedia.org] were topping the charts.
Does anyone else think.... (Score:1, Funny)
Re:I hope they do not pay (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Apparently linux is the new kid on the block (Score:5, Funny)
hmm, will it be Illegal for MS to screw Linux?
Re:And what if not? (Score:5, Funny)
You were shooting for +5 funny, right?
1.337 billion! (Score:4, Funny)
It's clear evidence the EU lawyers are leet and MS is suxxxorz who got pwned. I can see the court transcript:
EU Lawyers: We get signal
MS Lawyers: What!
EU Lawyers: Main screen turn on
MS Lawyers: It's you!!
EU Lawyers: How are you gentlemen!!
EU Lawyers: All your base are belong to us!!
MS Lawyers:
EU Lawyers: 1.337 billion Profit!
Now that's great justice!
Re:Well... (Score:3, Funny)
Imagine the awesomeness if that were the desired effect.
I just hope you work for Microsoft (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Apparently linux is the new kid on the block (Score:2, Funny)
That's 984 Billion in American rupees (Score:5, Funny)
Re:And what if not? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:1.3 billion (Score:5, Funny)
Re:And what if not? (Score:2, Funny)
You messed things up: MS would actually have to pay anyone much more that 1.3B$ to give him Vista copyright.
Re:1.3 billion (Score:5, Funny)
You mean waterboarding?
Re:Ha ha ha ha... (Score:2, Funny)
Microsoft's response (Score:3, Funny)
If successful, it's believed that Ballmer's plan is to rename the European Union to "Microsoft EU Professional".
In a separate communication, Ballmer told EU officials that Microsoft would send them free MSDN DVDs if they withdraw the fine. "If you choose not to accept our offer," wrote Ballmer, "we reserve the right to pursue all necessary steps to ensure that software customers in Europe are provided with the opportunity to realize the value inherent in our monopoly."
Re:1.3 billion (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Well... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:And what if not? (Score:2, Funny)
Tab (Score:4, Funny)
Microsoft Reduces its Offer for Yahoo! (Score:5, Funny)
Problem? Solved.
Re:True (Score:5, Funny)
How about bolting the chairs to the floor?
Re:Abusive modding (Score:3, Funny)
Looks like it's dropping to me.
It's just the warping of space time making it appear to drop in a Newtonian absolute frame of reference.
Re:Well... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Neelie Kroes (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Ha ha ha ha... (Score:2, Funny)