Microsoft accused of depriving consumers

Microsoft is abusing its position in tying its own application with a monopoly product like the Windows operating system, Dave Stewart, deputy general counsel of RealNetworks said in Seoul yesterday. It was the U.S.-based Internet multimedia developer’s first official comment since it filed a complaint with Korea’s Fair Trade Commission last week, asserting that Microsoft is illegally bundling its Windows Media Player into its Windows operating system. RealNetworks is the maker of Real Player, the first commercial program that supports audio and video online. “Microsoft deprives PC makers and consumers of their choice to change the configuration of their computer since the media player cannot be removed,” Mr. Stewart said. At the news conference, RealNetworks officials demonstrated how Windows is fully functional and stable without the Windows Media Player. They also rebutted Microsoft’s claims that its player is part of the original platform by showing how even Microsoft’s engineers distinguish the player as a separate application. Mr. Stewart said the company will cooperate with the Fair Trade Commission to prevent Microsoft from acquiring a monopoly in other sectors. by Wohn Dong-hee