EU slaps Microsoft with $357.3 mn fine

‘‘The EU Commission cannot allow such illegal conduct to continue indefinitely. No company is above the law,’’ Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes told reporters.

The Commission required Microsoft to provide technical information to rival server software makers after it found the company abused the dominance of its Windows operating system, used worldwide on 95 per cent of personal computers, to squeeze out competitors.

‘‘Microsoft did not even provide adequate information,’’ Kroes said.

The fine covers the period from December 16 to June 20 at 1.5 million euros daily. It fell short of a possible daily maximum of 2 million euros. Microsoft faces a further fine of up to 3 million euros a day if it still does not comply by July 31.

Shares in Microsoft

were 1.22 per cent down at $22.82, leading a broader fall in US stocks.

The move signals the Commission’s determination to force the company to obey its order and a loss of patience after Microsoft had two years to comply and used virtually every available legal and court procedure to spin out the process.

‘‘It puts (Kroes) in a position of authority generally, which will make business across the board much more inclined to comply,’’ said Chris Bright, a London competition lawyer, adding that energy companies could be the next focus.

The Commission’s hardline approach contrasts with that of the United States, which in 2000 had similar findings against Microsoft but ended up reaching a settlement on sanctions.

David Lawsky & Sabina Zawadzki