Microsoft and EU Talks End 1028
Paul Longford writes "Microsoft talks with the EC have collapsed. The competition commisioner Mario Monti just made this statement in which he said: 'I'd just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible. I therefore intend to propose to my colleagues in the Commission next Wednesday to adopt a decision, which has already received the unanimous backing of Member States.' This is bad news for Microsoft - it looking at a considerable fine and possibly being forced to open up Windows. It looks like it will be a harsh decision too. Monti says: 'In the end, I had to decide what was best for competition and consumers in Europe. I believe they will be better served with a decision that creates a strong precedent.'"
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.. (Score:4, Funny)
10% fine and removal of WMP? (Score:2, Funny)
Look like Microsoft will get the predicted 10% fine (of annual global sales) and removal of WMP from Windows. Bring on the competition...
Careful.. (Score:5, Funny)
MS contributes a lot of money to both US political parties.. Europe may need "liberating" soon..
Re:A chilling phrase if you're MS (Score:4, Funny)
even MS would presumably rather not pay a billion-dollar fine. I know their cash reserves are up in the 40 billion dollar range
Quick! Short Microsoft!
This sound investment advice bought to you by slashdot.
Re:10% fine and removal of WMP? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Microsoft must have a plan (Score:3, Funny)
Re:It's about time. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:hmmmm.... works out math (Score:5, Funny)
Re:10% fine and removal of WMP? (Score:5, Funny)
Yep. Definitely.
Weapons of mass Procrastination
Known to some as MineSweeper and Solitaire
Re:Eventually no apps? (Score:2, Funny)
You forgot No spelchekker.
Re:OK so they get fined and told how to distribute (Score:5, Funny)
Denver Post cartoon (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Careful.. (Score:5, Funny)
Bush: Hi
Blair: Yes.. speaking, how can I help you?
Bush: I'm taking us to war.. against this place called Europe, are you in?
Blair: Uhmm.. *worried* no.. I don't think I can help..
Bush: Pleeeease.. I need someone to show me where it is.. I was never good at this jog-raphy thing.
Blair: Oh.. yes.. ok.. I'll join in.. I can show you what bits you need to bomb.. *aside to secretary* Get me maps of France!
Re:EU now decides how US companies do business (Score:2, Funny)
How outrageous! The USA has of course never tried to influence how business is done outside it's borders.
Re:It's about time. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:A chilling phrase if you're MS (Score:5, Funny)
That is probably what made things collapse. I can see the EU report now...
"After negotiations broke down between us and Microsoft, the current CEO, Steve Ballmer, decided to get personally involved. However, he simply arrived, and jumped up and down chanting like a prick".
Re:Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.. (Score:4, Funny)
Jealous? How could anyone ever be jealous of a country where a woman can't get her tits out without causing a national crisis?
Transcript (Score:4, Funny)
Monty: Microsoft, we're going to levy heavy penalties for your past behavior.
MS: Now, wait here: let's compromise.
Monty: Okay, let's here it.
MS: How about you don't levy heavy penalties for our past behavior.
Monty: [silence]
MS: Well?
Monty: Heavier fines.
Re:It's about time. (Score:5, Funny)
Doesn't that make them a monopoly on anti-monopoly journals?
Re:Bloody right (Score:3, Funny)
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds,
We shall fight in the fields, and in the streets,
We shall fight in the hills;
Sounds like our last family vacation.
Re:It's about time. (Score:3, Funny)
And that is different how?
Re:Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.. (Score:3, Funny)
My mom, like all of our moms, has been forwarding me stupid jokes and such via email. Well, the one from this morning was titled, "Bush is NOT the worst President in US history!" And it went into a long rant about how other Presidents started wars without being provoked, and how other Presidents lost far more soldiers. Knowing just how to push the buttons of my conservative, Christian, country-music-loving family members, I replied to all with one simple response: "Your email is right! George Bush is NOT the worst President! He is SECOND worst. His dad was first."
And since I did that an hour ago, I've enjoyed a steady stream of email about how disappointed my family is that I have no patriotism. My mom told me she "still loves me" and will send me a US flag. Sigh. Good times, good times.
This will NEVER happen: (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Careful.. (Score:1, Funny)
Mind you, I'm european
Umm, yeah, whatever you say.