Multi-platform Web browser company Opera have filed a complaint with the European Commission citing Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
The approach is two pronged – abuse of Microsoft’s dominant position in tying its browser to the Windows operating system and, second, hindering interoperability by not following accepted Web standards.
The abuse of position is, for want of a better word, a ‘normal’, or expected approach, but the interoperability one is interesting.
It’s well known that people developing Web sites have a burden on them in having to develop different versions of Web sites to ensure that all Web browser display the sites as expected. If a browser doesn’t support accepted standards, this obviously make the whole process more difficult, time consuming and expensive.
Ambitious action
This is an ambitious action by Opera, not one that we would have thought would normally be taken on without an indication from the EC that they might be in with a chance of success.
We spoke to Jon von Tetzchner, Opera’s CEO, putting that to him. “We don’t have any direct indication,” he told us, “but once we saw the EC ruling on the Media player, we believed we stood a good chance.” He continued, “We believe in the merits of our argument and are optimistic in the case being successful.”
Von Tetzchner raised the valid point that as Browsers go to more devices, “a unified Web is important.” Sound thinking on our book.
We asked how the compatibility of a Web browser can be proven, von Tetzchner offered that “a number of tests would be needed.” He suggested that the ACID 2 could be a starting point, but that “third parties could be brought in to provide impartial tests.”
ACID 2 is a challenge to meet, indeed von Tetzchner told us that it too quite some effort for them to ensure that Opera 3 got through the process, something that they took on some time ago – they’re now on release 9.
Taking the sword of truth in both hands, von Tetzchner, swung it, “We are filing this complaint on behalf of all consumers who are tired of having a monopolist make choices for them. We cannot rest until we’ve brought fair and equitable options to consumers worldwide.”
We, and we’re sure anyone who has ever tried to develop a Web page, fully support any action that make the process less frustrating.
This is just another case of a software company blaming its lack of success on Microsoft. Microsoft should not be punished for bundling internet explorer with windows they wrote the software they can do whatever they want with it!
When I buy a copy of Windows, or a Windows PC as a consumer I can then install whatever browser I want and use that as my default browser. Windows does not prevent you from setting Opera, Firefox, or even safari as your default browser.
Opera’s lack of success is because of its own shoddy programming not because Microsoft bundles an internet browser with Windows. Microsoft could dump internet explorer tomorrow and 6 months later Opera would still be complaining about Microsoft.
Chris, your a moron
Ian,
Wow that’s real mature, I am not surprised at the lack of maturity/intelligence in your remark. Lets face it, generally anyone who doesn’t believe that Microsoft is the devil must be a moron. So okay, I’ll be a moron or whatever else anyone wants to call me its cool, I’ll even put it on my resume.
The point is that going forward a unified web is important and it makes total sense for developers to only have to build the website once not many times for different versions. This is especially true with mobile web which adds an extra layer of complication.
Given Opera have an excellent mobile browser you can see why they are pushing the issue.
Tottally agree with Ryan… Chris, maybe you’re not a moron, but your conclusion is very superficial and don’t complain or understand the whole picture.
This Antitrust action is important and everybody could gain with that, including Microsoft. And all the people who like and use their products.
And, for those really mature users who want to know more, I suggest a quick research about Web Standards, Browsers Wars, etc.
Chris, I agree with Ian P.F. that you are a moron. Your “seemingly” educated argument has hold in logic and fact.
The facts are these:
– Microsoft holds the largest consumer base of Internet browsers (globally).
– Microsoft is intending to incorporate a new technology in which a website using the new coding structure will be required to have MS IE, and not open source it (big surprise)
– Web developers will want to reach the largest demographic group and use the latest and greatest (and colleges will be training students to use this, as is MS’s standard practice on promotion of new programming technologies) to reach them.
– So, as you can see, as time marches on and other browsers are incapable of displaying or communicating with these new websites, how many consumers choices will there eventually be?
(one)
*NOTE – I am a web developer, so before you take a stab at incompetence (again) please consider your position.
Typo corrections:
…your arguments have “holes”
…the new MS IE will not allow you to view it’s source code (hiding something as usual)
(Apologies… I should have reviewed before posting, but I was upset at the ignorant comments of the uneducated, spreading his pseudo-facts as if he were in the “know”.)
All,
I agree a unified web is important, and PokeyJoe no I am not web developer so I am not “in the know” in that respect however, my point is the consumer has power.
If Microsoft is truly intending on requiring MS IE with the new coding structure, web developers and browser manufactures have the ability and duty to band together and boot IE from its place as the standard.
Give consumers like me an option by showing a little damn innovation. The browser wars are pointless and the lawsuits are pointless. Without innovation Microsoft stays the standard and whose fault it that? I’ll tell you what it’s not Microsoft’s fault thats my point.
Well, more and more holes on your argumentations.
There are LOTs of innovation outside IE. Start with the good old Tab Browsing (since 2004 but only now on IE7 – lol – even my granma is more uptodate), mouse gestures, applets and widgets, full easy and transparent customization, zoom, fullscreen navigation, integration with other tools like Search, RSS feeds, Bit Torrent and Email…
Everything faster, secure, simple and stable.
(not “shoddy programming” like Microsoft)
So, manufacturers are doing excelent jobs.
Web Developers like PokeyJoe ARE doing their jobs, twice! Because they have to make their jobs and then again to include IE users on the party. Work double just to not exclude IE users. See?
Now, as a consumer like you, it is hard to me understand this situation too. And I would ask you:
If THERE IS innovation, and there is better options, faster, infinitely more secure and stable, why people are still using IE?