Microsoft Europe chief unconcerned by EC investigation

Michel Lacombe, president of Microsoft Europe, has dismissed the European Commission's ongoing anti-competitive scrutiny as 'normal'.

Lacombe told Silicon.com that investigations into certain aspects of Windows 2000 and the company's alliance with Telewest are not unusual.

"We've been working with the Commission for many years and have been in a permanent dialogue. They ask us for information but we go to them as well. I would not say right now it is a tough climate - it's pretty much a normal process," he said.

The EC announced Wednesday its plans to launch a further investigation into the activities of Microsoft concerning its association with Telewest and Liberty Media in the digital television market. The software giant acquired 29.9 per cent of Telewest in October following the completion of an agreement with AT&T to develop digital cable services. AT&T inherited its share of Telewest after it merged with MediaOne.

Lacombe said: "We will work with the Commission but remain committed to our partnership and will work with all parties to find an agreement that works. Microsoft continues to have a role to play to make high speed Internet and broadband services available.

"We believe the set-top box market is very competitive. Of course we are very open to discuss terms to guarantee Telewest's independent set-top box and digital service business. We remain optimistic that we can enable it to happen."

The latest inquiry comes only weeks after the Commission's Competition Council asked Microsoft to reveal information about technical details within Windows 2000. The company filed the first of its reports 13 March and has until 15 April to submit the complete report.