A failure to comply with an anti-competition ruling has landed Microsoft with a €280.5 ($357) million fine. This follows an EU ruling back in 2004 that the software giant had to provide its rivals with information concerning the Windows operating system. EU competition commissioner Neelie Kroes stressed that “Microsoft has still not put an end to its illegal conduct.” She continued "no company is above the law" and said that there had been no alternative other than a hefty fine”. "I regret that, more than two years after the decision ... Microsoft has still not put an end to its illegal conduct," she added. Microsoft said it would appeal, claiming the “unprecedented” amount was unfair.
The EU also threatened greater penalties in the future unless the software maker obeys a 2004 antitrust order to share technical details of its Windows operating system with rivals.