Microsoft 'forced' to distribute rivals' software

South Korean regulators ordered Microsoft to release versions of Windows without IM and media playing functions

Microsoft will offer competitors' software CDs to all Windows XP users in South Korea to comply with tough anti-trust rulings from local authorities, according to a local media report. 

But the company is highlighting apparent loopholes in the ruling by putting information about officially banned versions of Windows next to advertising for a similar product which appears to been overlooked by the government.

South Korean regulators ordered Microsoft to release versions of Windows without instant messaging and media playing functions.

This followed complaints from competitors that the company abused its market dominance to force competing software out of the market.

Microsoft is also allowed to offer a version of Windows which retains these functions, but must provide links to download sites for competing software.

The company today released special versions of Windows for Korea. They are dubbed Windows XP K for versions with the download links, and Windows XP KN without the contested software.

"We will also provide free CDs with our competitors' software and provide updates for users who have existing Windows platforms," a Microsoft Korea spokesman told the JoongAng Daily. 

Microsoft published information about the new versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 prominently on the front page of its Korean website today.

Microsoft's statement noted that the restrictions did not apply to the Windows XP Media Center Edition or Tablet Edition which, in an apparent oversight by Korean authorities, can remain unchanged in Korea.

On Microsoft's Korean website, a prominent invitation to purchase Windows XP Media Center Edition currently appears directly alongside the company's explanation of the government's rulings.

It also appears that the wording of the rulings does not cover the forthcoming Windows Vista operating system, which will be released around the end of this year.
Microsoft continues to appeal against the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC)
ruling.

In a statement in July, when local courts rejected a stay request, Microsoft Korea's senior attorney Jae Hoon Chung said: "With the advent of the era of digital convergence, integrating messenger and media player functionality into Windows provides more services to consumers and developers.

"In addition, consumers can easily obtain competing technologies as demonstrated by the success of new messenger and media player providers such as NateOn or Gom Player.

"In this context, the decision of the KFTC is not supported by factual grounds. We will make every effort to bring such relevant facts to the attention of the court during the appeal."