EU denies Microsoft vendetta

EU competition commissioner Neelie Kroes has denied claims that she is pursuing a vendetta against Microsoft.

In a letter to the FT on Tuesday, the Dutch commissioner denounced what she calls “a coordinated campaign” to discredit her.

"Far from pursuing a vendetta against Microsoft, the commission's actions are guided by the desire to create the most innovation-friendly business climate in Europe to the ultimate benefit of European consumers," Kroes writes.

"There appears to be a coordinated campaign to portray the commission in a negative light," she adds.

Kroes was responding to a letter - also published in the FT - in which Microsoft accused the EU executive of “playing games” with them.

Microsoft argues that its operating system, Vista set to replace Microsoft Windows next year has come unfairly under attack.

But the commission says it is simply attempting to ensure that the new programme complies with EU competition rules.

"I have seen it suggested that the commission may seek to prevent Microsoft from improving the security of its operating system. This is categorically not the case. We do nevertheless seek to ensure that rival security software vendors…are able to compete on a level playing field," Kroes states in letter.

EU concerns over Vista stem from a 2004 ruling when the commission found Microsoft had abused its dominant market position and imposed a record €497m fine.

Last week Microsoft warned the commission's latest actions could delay the launch of Vista in Europe.

But the software giants have said they are now looking forward to discussions with the commission on how they should proceed.

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