The record fine was issued by European Commission (EC) because Microsoft defied the sanctions imposed for anti-competitive practices. The software giant has received several fines in the past - 280m euros imposed in July 2006, and of 497m euros in March 2004.
The European Commission accused the company for not providing key code to rival software makers. “We don’t want talk, we want compliance. If you cheat the rules, you will be caught,” said an EC commissioner at a press conference. It seems Microsoft promises of openness and interoperability didn't impress the EC.
Back in 2004, rival server makers complained over Microsoft policy of not providing the information they needed to hook up to Windows office machines. Today's fine was applied because the rival systems can't interoperate with Microsoft's Office products. Unless Microsoft doesn't take this serious, the EC will keep sanctioning it. That would be bad for the business and also for the reputation.
via Reuters
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