Microsoft Promises to Give EU Browser Choices

(CN) - The European Commission on Wednesday dropped its antitrust case against Microsoft after it agreed to offer consumers a choice between Web browsers.

Under the agreement, Microsoft will now make available to European customers a "Choice Screen," which will enable users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 to choose their Web browser. It also will give Windows users a choice of up to 11 other browsers from the competition.

The commission accused Microsoft of abusing its dominant position in the market for PC operating systems by tying Internet Explorer to Windows.

"Millions of European consumers will benefit from this decision by having a free choice about which Web browser they use," commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement. "Such choice will not only serve to improve people's experience of the Internet but now also act as an incentive for Web browser companies to innovate and offer better browsers in the future."

Microsoft will remain under the commission's review, and will have to report to it regularly.

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