The European Commission and Microsoft failed to reach a settlement to a landmark antitrust case today and the EU executive will now rule against the US software giant, the top EU regulator said.
"I'd just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible," Competition Commissioner Mr Mario Monti told a news conference.
Although substantial progress had been made towards solving past problems, the Commission was unable to agree with Microsoft on commitments for future business practices and had decided that a clear legal ruling next Wednesday would be better for consumers and for competition, he said.