The European Commission is planning to sue Microsoft for $2.4 million daily, if the software giant doesn't effectively make its server platforms open source. Microsoft has already complied with a series of demands from the EU to make its server technology more compatible with competitors. Brad Smith of Microsoft says, "We've shipped a new version of Windows, we've paid a historic fine, and we've provided unprecedented access to Microsoft technology to promote interoperability with other industry players." Still the EU is unhappy, despite all Microsoft's concessions.

Microsoft does not seem like a bad guy in this dispute. Asking MS to go completely open source is way out of bounds for a governing body. Microsoft has provided information on making programs interoperate with Windows. If European companies want full and complete compatibility with Microsoft servers, they should consider hiring Microsoft to write the code for them.

There is plenty of documentation to set up Oracle databases on Windows servers, or what have you. Fining MS for maintaining intellectual property sounds even less reasonable than fining Ford for making cars that aren't compatible with BMW and Honda brake pads. What's next? Will the EU sue Jessica Simpson because European companies don't want to pay royalties to use her singles in TV commercials?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4552214.stm