Microsoft’s IE Antitrust Compromise

The European Commission can confirm that Microsoft has proposed a consumer ballot screen as a solution to the pending antitrust case about the tying of Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser with Windows. This followed extensive discussions with the Commission which centred on a remedy outlined in the January 2009 Statement of Objections (see MEMO/09/15) whereby consumers would be shown a “ballot screen” from which they could – if they wished – easily install competing web browsers, set one of those browsers as a default, and disable Internet Explorer. Under the proposal, Windows 7 would include Internet Explorer, but the proposal recognises the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice of web browser, and sets out a means – the ballot screen – by which Microsoft believes that can be achieved. In addition OEMs would be able to install competing web browsers, set those as default and disable Internet Explorer should they so wish. The Commission welcomes this proposal, and will now investigate its practical effectiveness in terms of ensuring genuine consumer choice.

link: EUROPA – Press Releases – Antitrust: Commission welcomes new Microsoft proposals on Microsoft Internet Explorer and Interoperability

I gotta say, this sounds really reasonable. In fact, it sounds like the most reasonable market style solution to date. Hopefully, they plan to change the order of the browser’s at random. I don’t suppose it is too much to ask that you be able to access the ballot screen after the initialization is complete (like when you change your mind).