Microsoft faces EC fines

Microsoft, the world's number one software company, faces anti-trust fines of up to $3.2 bn (€2.56bn) from the European Commission.

Microsoft was previously reported to have reached a settlement to end an ongoing ant-itrust investigation, agreeing to uniformly license its operating systems and allow manufacturers to include competing software with Windows.

Lawyers for Microsoft are working to head off the threat, but EC spokesperson Amelia Torres said that Brussels has the power to fine Microsoft up to 10% of its 2003 revenues.