Microsoft says it will ask a European court this week to suspend parts of the European Commission's landmark decision that ordered it to stop business practices that violate antitrust law.
As part of an appeal against the EU executive's decision, Microsoft will ask the Court of First Instance to suspend requirements that it strip Media Player software from its Windows operating system and share information so rival makers of computer servers can more easily compete.
"We intend to file our appeal with the Court of First Instance next week and believe we have a very strong case to present," a Microsoft spokesman said late last week.
The Commission issued a sweeping 302-page ruling against Microsoft on March 24th, finding the company abused its dominance, and ordered that it change its business practices and pay a €497 million fine.
The commission gave Microsoft 90 days to separate its Windows Media Player, which plays music and videos over the Internet, from its Windows operating system.
It would be up to computer makers to decide whether to ship Windows with the Windows Media Player or that of a rival, such as RealNetworks Real Player.
The Commission also gave Microsoft 120 days to license interconnection software to ease the way for rivals to hook up their servers to Windows as easily as Microsoft does.
The Commission said Microsoft once provided the information to makers of network software - which is used to print documents in offices and share files - but pulled back when Microsoft began making its own competing products.
Microsoft said on the day the Commission decision was announced it would seek to put remedies on ice until the case was decided, which could be years.
The Commission contends Microsoft wants a delay because it allows the company to continue anti-competitive practices and grab more market share until the remedies become irrelevant.