Microsoft reports breakthrough in EU proceedings

UPDATE 31 March 2006 2:45 PM ET

Brussels (Belgium) - Reuters is reporting that Microsoft’s chief legal counsel, Brad Smith, left Friday’s meeting with European Commission members apparently enthused, stating, "I believe that we have had a breakthrough." A European Commission spokesperson reported that it may have new evidence from Microsoft to study, although he didn’t specify the nature of that evidence, and said it could take several weeks to do so. A Microsoft spokesperson tells TG Daily this afternoon that Smith characterized today’s proceedings as "constructive," and declined further comment for the time being.

In the meantime, there doesn’t appear to be any hurry to impose fines on the company. More details as they become available.