Microsoft pledges to work with the EU

Concessions include implementing interoperability measures worldwide

Microsoft has announced that it will do its best to work with the EU to settle concerns over anticompetitive practices.

The concessions made so far include implementing interoperability measures worldwide, and not just in the EU. The software giant has also agreed to a new royalty structure for licensing protocols for use in non-Microsoft products.

"In order to resolve some complex issues over the past few weeks, we have made some tough concessions," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive at Microsoft.

"We take our responsibilities in Europe very seriously, and will continue to focus on fulfilling all our obligations in every way we can."

The EU is currently putting Microsoft's proposals to the rest of the technology industry to see whether they fulfil the criteria for reducing the extent of the vendor's near monopoly.

The EU has indicated that it is ready to levy daily fines of up to five per cent of Microsoft's global turnover.

European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "I am happy that Microsoft has recognised certain principles which must underlie its implementation of the Commission's decision.

"I remain determined to ensure that all elements of the decision are properly implemented, including the ability for developers of open source software to take advantage of the remedy."