'No Alternative' To Microsoft Fine

An anonymous reader writes "News.com is running an interview with Neelie Kroes, the competition commissioner for the EU. She confirms that the massive fines to Microsoft are absolutely necessary, and goes into some of the commissions reasons for slapping the giant down." From the article: "Microsoft has claimed that its obligations in the decision are not clear, or that the obligations have changed. I cannot accept this characterization--Microsoft's obligations are clearly outlined in the 2004 decision and have remained constant since then. Indeed, the monitoring trustee appointed in October 2005, from a shortlist put forward by Microsoft, believes that the decision clearly outlines what Microsoft is required to do. I must say that I find it difficult to imagine that a company like Microsoft does not understand the principles of how to document protocols in order to achieve interoperability. "

Oh boy...

[PixelPirate]

"I must say that I find it difficult to imagine that a company like Microsoft does not understand the principles of how to document protocols in order to achieve interoperability."

You must be new here...

Re:280m Euros

[kfg]

The budget's size will remain the same . . .

I see you took the blue pill.

KFG

My proposal

[ElephanTS]

Great, they slapped Microsoft hands for this but who is getting all this money and what are they gonna do with it?

I propose that there's some fund so that every time you have to spend 3 hours 'weeding' Windows for your parents or Auntie Doris or whoever you can bill the fund at $100 p/h for your time. Collectively this would make /.ers tens of millions wouldn't it? Oh yes, VOTE FOR ME!

Re:280m Euros

[kfg]

who is getting all this money

The EU, of course.

and what are they gonna do with it?

Hookers and beer, just like always.

The more important question is where is the money going to come from?

Got a mirror?

KFG

Re:280m Euros

[kfg]

Microsoft's finacial tentacles run far deeper than a few bits of software. Can you say "tentacle rape?"

Can women block pops up for you? No. Can Firefox show you naked women? Yes

Have you tried putting a naked woman in front of your monitor? Works for me.

KFG

Re:Oh boy...

[OpenSourced]

"I must say that I find it difficult to imagine that a company like Microsoft does not understand the principles of how to document protocols in order to achieve interoperability."

The principles? They cannot even grasp the concept!

Re:Legal circles?

[chromatic]

If their appeal is successful, they'll get a refund.

I hope it's in the form of a coupon for 15% off the upgrade to the next version of the fine.

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:280m Euros

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm putting together a portfolio comprised solely of companies that piss off Europeans

Why would you pick Microsoft then? Buy European stocks. Europeans may dislike the US, but they truly despise each other.