Opera continues to fight Microsoft

Web browser development company Opera Software ASA on Tuesday petitioned the European Commission to ask Microsoft to allow Windows users to choose their own web browser.

In a complaint with the European Commission, Opera also confirmed that Microsoft has prevented developers from writing programs that are compatible with each other by 'not following accepted web standards'. .

Opera started fighting with IE

Opera, a small company in Norway's capital Oslo, has failed to find a solid position in the web browser market despite spending many years developing a web browser called Opera. Its market share was even lower when Mozzilla's Firefox emerged as a rival to Microsoft with Internet Explorer browsing the market. Recently, however, Opera is strengthening its power by building a browser for mobile devices - an area where Microsoft cannot yet be the winner.

Microsoft argues that Internet Explorer has been a part of Windows for over 10 years, and supports many web standards. ' Of course we will cooperate if there is any requirement on this issue, but we believe that integrating the browser into the operating system will benefit users, users and users alike. PC makers can still choose any browser they want . '

Some of the claims reminded us of complaints years ago, when Microsoft was accused of using its unique position to remove Netscape and integrate the free Explorer browser with Windows. Netscape immediately lost its dominance, and today it only has a very small market share.

A complaint like Opera's case may - though not always - lead to an antitrust investigation by EU authorities. Chairman of the EU antitrust agency, Neelie, warned Microsoft that the demand will be placed on future products in other areas of the company - such as Office software and Vista operating system. ' Microsoft should pay attention to this, ' Kroes said. ' I can assure you that things are not over, there are still some lawsuits lying on our desks .'

Last year EU officials sued security software, Internet search tools and copyright protection tools with built-in PDF document creation software in Vista. And Opera is asserting that Microsoft abuses its monopoly power - a software provider for most computers worldwide: free Internet Explorer with Windows without offering any products that can replace so. They petitioned the commission to ask Microsoft to remove IE from Windows, or to integrate rival browsers into the Windows installer, or both.

Opera also said that the European Commission requires Microsoft to follow its own statement about supporting open web standards. For years, Microsoft has added many of its own browser functions without any standards, and many companies have lost their market share. The alliance of Microsoft's rivals called the European Committee for Interoperable Systems was very supportive of the complaint. 'The browser is the gateway to the Internet. Microsoft is seeking control of this portal, 'said the coalition attorney, Thomas Vinje.

Market share of browsers in 2007

K.Hoa