South Korea fines Microsoft $32 million
South Korea’s anti-trust regulators found that Microsoft has violated fair trade regulations (FTC) and fined the company 33 billion won or about $32 million. Additionally, Microsoft has to alter its operating system portfolio and offer two versions of Windows within 180 days : One variant with pre-installed Media Player and Instant Messenger and one without. Also, Microsoft has to unbundle Windows Server and Windows Media Services within the same timeframe.
The FTC said that the set rules will apply for the next ten years. However, Microsoft will be able to apply for the removal of conditions after five years.
Microsoft announced that it will appeal the FTC’s decision. A few weeks ago, the company also threatened to pull its products from the South Korea in the case of an unfavorable decision - but told media today that it has no immediate plans to withdraw Windows from that market.
Microsoft currently is appealing a similar decision in Europe.
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