Unless a last-minute deal can be struck between Microsoft and the European Union, Microsoft could be facing a $5 million daily fine.
June 1st is literally right around the corner and if Microsoft can't or doesn't comply with the EU's request make it's software more open and accessable to rivals, a daily fee structure of 5 million dollars per day will be implemented. "The deadline is the end of this month and if it's not met then it's the end of the game," European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said last week.
The underlying request from the EU is for Microsoft to open it's core software systems to rivals allowing them to create applications and services that more tightly integrate with Microsoft's Windows operating systems. Other requests include providing a version of Windows that does not include it's Windows Media Player thereby allowing rival software makers a better chance to compete.
View: BBC.co.uk Article
