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Slot Machine Software Play Role in Microsoft Case

LONDON -- As reported by Reuters:"Microsoft Corp. software designed for, of all things, cash registers and slot machines played a persuasive role in the European Union's landmark antitrust case labeling it an abusive monopolist.

"The European Commission is expected to fine Microsoft hundreds of millions of euros next week and order it to offer a version of its ubiquitous Windows operating system without Windows Media Player audio-visual software installed.

"If Competition Commissioner Mario Monti succeeds in getting Microsoft to reconfigure future versions of an operating system that runs more than 95 percent of all PCs -- still considered a longshot by some industry observers -- a piece of Microsoft software known as Windows XP Embedded could be the reason.

"…Microsoft argues removal of Windows Media Player will limit, if not make impossible, the ability to play songs and film clips on a PC.

"For now, the Commission isn't buying the argument.

"…Windows XP Embedded is sold to manufacturers of relatively uncomplicated machines such as cash dispensers and cash registers. The manufacturers use the software to design a scaled-down version of Windows XP to run their hardware, excluding non-essential functions like Outlook Express and Media Player…"

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