Microsoft gives EU Internet users access to rival browsers

(BRUSSELS) - Millions of Internet users in Europe can now access Microsoft rivals' web browsers through its dominant Windows system, the EU Commission said Tuesday, welcoming the move as a boon to consumers.

Microsoft, the world's biggest software company, was forced to open up its Windows operating system to rival Internet browsers in a landmark accord unveiled in December but activated only on March 1.

Bringing down the curtain on a decade-long anti-trust tussle, the legally-binding agreement will see new computer users presented with 12 browser options when they configure their systems.

"Giving consumers the possibility to switch or try a browser other than that included in Windows will bring more competition and innovation in this important area," said EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera, from the Norwegian company that first complained to competition enforcers in 2007, will now each be displayed prominently alongside Microsoft's own Internet Explorer browser.

Another seven, regularly updated to reflect user charts, will also be included in an agreement that frees Microsoft from the threat of fines worth 10 percent of its turnover, which hit 58.44 billion dollars in the year to last June.

The accord -- which only applies to the 27 EU nations plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein -- concerns computers running Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 and marks a step-change for the company, with strategic implications for Microsoft in other regions.

The new system will be implemented for five years.

Brussels has accused US giant Microsoft of abusing the dominant position of its Windows operating system which is installed in 90 percent of personal computers throughout the world.

Brussels last year also accepted a similar informal undertaking covering consumer choice in relation to other PC software and applications, calling a halt to a series of disputes which saw Microsoft hit with 1.68 billion euros (2.438 billion dollars) in EU fines.