Microsoft appeals ruling on software unbundling

Microsoft Corp. yesterday appealed to the Seoul High Court to overturn the decision of the Fair Trade Commission to impose fines and order changes in the U.S. software giant’s flagship operating system. It also asked the commission to reconsider its decision. The commission ordered in December that Microsoft offer two versions of its Windows XP operating system, one without its instant messaging software MSN Messenger and music player software Windows Media Player, and others containing the programs but offering Internet links to sites where competing products could be downloaded. On Feb. 24, the antitrust watchdog sent the full decision to Microsoft, and gave it 30 days to decide on an appeal. It also ordered a fine of 32.5 billion won ($33.3 million). Yesterday’s announcement of Microsoft’s appeal came as the deadline was about to expire. Microsoft Korea argued in a statement announcing its appeal that it believed its actions were consistent with Korean law and had benefited Korean consumers and the Korean technology sector. Citing data from Korean Click, Microsoft Korea’s senior attorney, Chung Jae-hoon, said Korean consumers used many different media players and instant messenger clients. New instant messaging services and media players such as NateOn Messenger and GOM Player are flourishing in Korea, he said. Responding to the announcement of the appeal, the Fair Trade Commission also issued a statement saying, “We will set up a legal team devoted solely to the lawsuit over the Microsoft case. It will consist of lawyers specializing in the field.” Under existing rules, the nine-member fair trade commission will have 90 days to consider Microsoft’s arguments, although most cases are decided within 60 days. by Seo Ji-eun