Microsoft responds to EU browser decision

Microsoft has responded to the European Union's decision to support its browser ballot plans.

Redmond was accused of anti-competitive practices by unlawfully binding Internet Explorer as the default browser on Windows machines.

However, it offered to let third-party computer manufacturers turn off its browser application in favour of alternatives - a solution eventually accepted by the EC.

Microsoft will also offer a browser 'choice screen' to users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 for at least the next five years.

The European Commission's endorsement of the offer follows years of wrangling, and a number of fines, as the parties, along with Microsoft's competitors, sought to reach an agreement.

"We are pleased with today's decision by the European Commission, which approves a final resolution of several long-standing competition law issues in Europe," said Brad Smith, Microsoft general counsel, in a statement.

"We look forward to building on the dialogue and trust that has been established between Microsoft and the Commission, and to extending our industry leadership.

"As we've said before, we are embarking on a path that will require significant change within Microsoft. Nevertheless, we believe that these are important steps that resolve these competition law concerns."