Microsoft proposes retrospective browser ballot

Stephen Withers
Monday, 27 July 2009 05:33

IT Industry - Development

Microsoft's proposal to provide European consumers with a browser ballot screen appears to fall in line with the European Commission's (EC's) position. The company also has a proposal aimed at settling the interoperability case.

Earlier this year, the EC took a preliminary view that the tying of Internet Explorer (IE) to Windows constituted abuse of a dominant position. Not only did it shield IE from direct competition from other browsers, it also created artificial incentives for content and software vendors to design their products primarily for IE, again reducing competition.

Microsoft's initial response was to build Windows 7 E - a version of its new operating system that omits Internet Explorer - for the European market.

OEM customers (PC vendors) would be free to install whatever browser they chose, and retail customers would be provided with an easy to use mechanism to install IE.

This response went against the EC's suggested approach of providing a so-called ballot screen that would present a choice of browsers that could be installed. However, Microsoft believes that Windows 7 E is fully compliant with European law.

The company has now shifted tack, and has offered to implement a ballot screen.

Under the proposal, OEMs will still be free to install their choice of browser(s) and to pre-set any browser as the default. This could be Microsoft's 'get out of jail free' card, as unless a company behind a competing browser offers a financial incentive, it seems likely that OEMs will maintain the status quo in order to provide a familiar experience.

But Microsoft's not typing both hands behind its back. And which browsers will appear on the ballot screen? Please read on.