Microsoft faces new EC investigation

The US Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) confirmed today that it has filed a new complaint with the European Commission alleging that Microsoft's Windows XP "violates" European competition law.

The complaint comes as the Commission is thought to be concluding its investigation into Microsoft's practices, and could be viewed as an attempt to complicate and delay the software giant's efforts to agree a settlement.

The Washington-based non-profit trade association counts Microsoft rivals Sun Microsystems, Oracle and AOL Time Warner among its members.

It said in a statement that "the latest version of Windows XP takes Microsoft's abusive practices to a new level, illegally protecting Microsoft's existing monopolies and illegally eliminating competition in new software and service markets".

Amelia Torres, a spokeswoman for the Commission's antitrust body, said that it will look into the complaint and analyse it on its merits.

But she added that the complaint will be dealt with separately from the ongoing investigation.

A spokeswoman for Microsoft said that the CCIA appears to be making similar allegations to those which it has pushed forward in the US.

"The Commission will determine what issues and what information are relevant to its investigation," she said.