The watchdog has now released a written report, backing up its
preliminary finding that Microsoft acted in breach of competition
rules by tying its media service and media player to the Windows
server and PC operating systems.
Microsoft is required to unbundle its Media Service from the
Windows server operating system and to offer two versions of the
Windows PC operating system.
One of these will be entirely stripped of the media player and
instant messaging software, while the other will contain a “Media
Player Centre” and “Messenger Centre,” linking to web pages that
allow competing products to be downloaded.
Microsoft has denied the breach.
“The facts do not support the Commission’s position,” said the
software giant on Friday. “New instant messaging services and media
players are flourishing in Korea. Consumers can easily obtain and
use a wide range of technology from many different companies, and
Microsoft has designed Windows so consumers have the freedom to use
any instant messaging services or media players they choose.”
The firm alleges that the decision will have a negative effect
on Korean consumers and Korean innovation, and announced that it
would be appealing the ruling within 30 days.
