News Release

No. 106/04
June 28, 2004

MICROSOFT

The European Commission has informed the European Court of First Instance (CFI) that, in the interest of a proper administration of justice, it has decided not to enforce the remedies adopted on March 24 while a Microsoft application for interim measures is being considered.

The 90-day deadline for Microsoft to supply a version of the Windows operating system without its media player expires on Monday, June 28.

The Commission is of the opinion that it is not appropriate to enforce remedies before the President of the Court of First Instance decides on a Microsoft application for interim measures.

The Commission's decision is without prejudice to Microsoft's obligation to implement the remedies -- which also includes the obligation for Microsoft to make interoperability information available for use to its competitors by July 27 -- without delay, should the President of the CFI reject Microsoft's request.

The Commission believes that the remedies are reasonable, balanced and necessary to restore competition in the marketplace and that there is a strong public interest in favour of implementing them without waiting for the judgement on the substance of the case.

Press Contacts:

Anthony Gooch 202-862-9523

Maeve O'Beirne 202-862-9549

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