Report: Symantec brings Microsoft complaint to EU

Security software vendor Symantec Corp. has complained to European Commission antitrust regulators about Microsoft Corp.’s entrance into the security business, setting the stage for a possible antitrust case against the Redmond, Washington, software company, the Dow Jones Newswire reported Thursday.

The “informal” complaint allows the Commission to consider whether or not an antitrust case against Microsoft is merited, said the report, citing unnamed sources. The Commission is the executive branch of the European Union (EU). European Commission officials could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

The news comes on the day Microsoft announced plans to begin offering business users an integrated antivirus and antispyware product called Microsoft Client Protection. A beta version of this product is expected to be released by year’s end. The company is already offering some customers a beta version of its Windows OneCare consumer security software.

At issue in the complaint is Microsoft’s plan to bundle its security software with Windows Vista, the next major version of the Windows operating system due next year, the report states.

Symantec spokeswoman Genevieve Haldeman said that her company had not filed a formal complaint with the Commission, but she stopped short of denying that an informal complaint had been made.

“We have been asked to provide information to the EU, and we have complied with that request,” she said. “The information was really helping them understand the complexity of the security industry and our role in it.”

“We have always said, and continue to say, that we’ll continue to compete with Microsoft in the market as long as there’s a level playing field,” Haldeman said.

Shortly after Microsoft announced its intention to enter the security space, Symantec Chief Executive Officer John Thompson hinted that his company was considering an antitrust complaint against Microsoft. “They can’t use their Windows monopoly unfairly, and the world will be watching. And we will as well,” he told IDG News Service in April.

Last year, the Commission ordered Microsoft to pay

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Previous article
Next article

Featured Articles

Empowering the hybrid workforce: how technology can build a better employee experience

Across the country, employees from organizations of all sizes expect flexibility...

What’s behind the best customer experience: How to make it real for your business

The best customer experience – the kind that builds businesses and...

Overcoming the obstacles to optimized operations

Network-driven optimization is a top priority for many Canadian business leaders...

Thriving amid Canada’s tech talent shortage

With today’s tight labour market, rising customer demands, fast-evolving cyber threats...

Staying protected and compliant in an evolving IT landscape

Canadian businesses have changed remarkably and quickly over the last few...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now