Microsoft anti-trust battle reaches EU court

Microsoft’s five year legal battle in Europe moved into a public courtroom for the first time today as the software giant tries to get the EU’s landmark anti-trust ruling against it lifted.

The hearing that opened in the EU’s second highest court focuses solely on Microsoft’s request for the suspension, pending appeal, of EU orders that would force major changes in its business practices and the way computers are used across the globe.

The European Commission found Microsoft guilty in March of abusing its dominant position with the Windows operating system, which runs some 90% of computers worldwide.

It fined the company almost €500m and ordered it to hand over some software code to rivals in the server market.

The commission also ordered the company to offer a version of Windows minus its digital media software, Media Player, to allow rivals a better shot at reaching consumers.

The hearing in the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg is key for the European Commission as well.

Since the final ruling on Microsoft’s appeal could take three or more years, the decision on a stay will help determine how effectively EU regulators can deal with rapidly-changing industries.