Opera files antitrust complaint with the EU
Urges Microsoft to give consumers a genuine choice of standards-compliant Web browsers
Opera Software ASA, the only company that can put the Web on any device, filed a complaint with the European Commission yesterday which is aimed at giving consumers a genuine choice of Web browsers.
The complaint describes how Microsoft is abusing its dominant position bytying its browser, Internet Explorer, to the Windows operating system andby hindering interoperability by not following accepted Web standards.Opera has requested the Commission to take the necessary actions to compel Microsoft to give consumers a real choice and to support open Webs tandards in Internet Explorer.
"We are filing this complaint on behalf of all consumers who are tired of having a monopolist make choices for them," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera. "In addition to promoting the free choice of individual consumers,we are a champion of open Web standards and cross-platform innovation. We cannot rest until we've brought fair and equitable options to consumers worldwide."
Opera requests the Commission to implement two remedies to Microsoft"sabusive actions. First, it requests the Commission to obligate Microsoft to unbundle Internet Explorer from Windows and/or carry alternative browsers pre-installed on the desktop. Second, it asks the EuropeanCommission to require Microsoft to follow fundamental and open Webs tandards accepted by the Web-authoring communities. The complaint call son Microsoft to adhere to its own public pronouncements to support theses tandards, instead of stifling them with its notorious "Embrace, Extendand Extinguish" strategy. Microsoft's unilateral control over standards in some markets creates a de facto standard that is more costly to support,harder to maintain, and technologically inferior and that can even expose users to security risks.
"Our complaint is necessary to get Microsoft to amend its practices," said Jason Hoida, Deputy General Counsel, Opera."The European Court of First Instance confirmed in September that Microsoft has illegally tied Windows Media Player to Windows. We are simply asking the Commission to apply these same, clear principles to the Internet Explorer tie, a tie that has even more profound effects on consumers and innovation. We are confident that the Commission understands the significance of the Internet Explorertie and will take the necessary actions to restore competition and consumer choice in the browser market."
Opera has long held the position of innovator in the Web browser market,having introduced and pioneered features like tabbed browsing, Speed Dial,integrated search bar, mouse gestures, Opera Linkâ„¢ and many others.Absent Microsoft's abuse, Microsoft would have been forced to compete on alevel playing field with Opera and other browsers. Instead of innovating,Microsoft has locked consumers to its own browser and only recently be gunto offer some of the innovative features that other browsers have offered for years.
Both of Opera's requested remedies are intended to give consumers greater freedom and flexibility while at the same time ensuring that the Web further develops into a platform for innovation. Opera believes that there medies will help promote consumer rights worldwide and force Microsoft to begin competing with Opera and others on the merits of its browser.
About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA is a Norwegian company providing innovative productsthat make the Web a reality on any device - from computers and cell phones to portable media players and game consoles. As the first company that brought the full Web to the small mobile screen, Opera has an unparalleled track record in giving users the full Web experience across platforms.Opera's product range includes its flagship desktop browser, a fast andfree Web browser for mobile phones called Opera Mini, and Opera Mobile, aversion of the browser designed for today's advanced smartphones. All Opera's products support open Web standards which make the Web a home forinnovation. Available completely free, Opera's desktop browser or Opera Mini can be downloaded at www.opera . com.
Opera Software ASA is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and has offices aroundthe world, including in the United States, Japan, Sweden, Poland, China, Korea andIndia. Opera is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Symbol: OPERA)
About Opera Software ASA
The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 300 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera . com.