Posted on Thursday, June 11 2009 @ 21:18 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
CNET
reports Microsoft plans to ship Windows 7 without Internet Explorer in Europe to avoid being sued again by the EU. PC builders would than have the option to add the browser back in or ship another or multiple browsers.
Reacting to antitrust concerns expressed by European regulators, Microsoft plans to offer a version in Europe that has the browser removed. Computer makers would then have the option to add the browser back in, ship another browser or ship multiple browsers, according to a confidential memo that was sent to PC makers and seen by CNET News.
"To ensure that Microsoft is in compliance with European law, Microsoft will be releasing a separate version of Windows 7 for distribution in Europe that will not include Windows Internet Explorer," the software maker said in the memo. "Microsoft will offer IE8 separately and free of charge and will make it easy and convenient for PC manufacturers to preinstall IE 8 on Windows 7 machines in Europe if they so choose. PC manufacturers may choose to install an alternative browser instead of IE 8, and has always been the case, they may install multiple browsers if they wish."
Microsoft confirmed the authenticity of the document but declined to comment further.
