Microsoft has retreated in the battle for Internet Explorer in Europe. On Friday, it offered to implement a browser ballot favored by the European Commission.
Countering charges that it forced Internet Explorer on users to the detriment of alternative browsers, Microsoft had planned to ship a special European version of Windows 7 without a browser. That would have created major headaches for users, who would have no means to download a browser, whether Internet Explorer or an alternative, and it would make an upgrade to Windows 7 more difficult.
“Under our new proposal, among other things, European consumers who buy a new Windows PC with Internet Explorer set as their default browser would be shown a ‘ballot screen’ from which they could, if they wished, easily install competing browsers from the Web,” said Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith. But he added, “PC manufacturers building machines for the European market will continue to be required to ship (browserless) versions of Windows 7 until such time that the commission fully reviews our proposals and determines whether they satisfy our obligations under European law.”
The European Union had said Microsoft’s plans for a browserless version of Windows might not be acceptable. Alternative browsers include Opera, Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome.
“Under the (new Microsoft) proposal, Windows 7 would include Internet Explorer, but the proposal recognizes the principle that consumers should be given a free and effective choice of Web browser, and sets out a means — the ballot screen — by which Microsoft believes that can be achieved,” the commission said. “In addition, (manufacturers) would be able to install competing Web browsers, set those as default. and disable Internet Explorer should they so wish. The commission welcomes this proposal, and will now investigate its practical effectiveness in terms of ensuring genuine consumer choice.”
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