Opera vs. Internet Explorer - The Next Level of Browser Wars

Due to near monopoly that Microsoft enjoys on the operating system market, with the Windows platform, the Redmond company has managed to push additional technologies, products and services to the foreground, in the detriment of direct competitors. In this context, the dominance of Internet Explorer over the browser market is intimately connected with the Windows monopoly. This is exactly the basis of an antitrust complaint filed by Opera Software ASA, based in Oslo, Norway, against Microsoft. Opera has accused the Redmond giant of leveraging its dominant position on the operating system market with the Windows client, by making Internet Explorer a default component of the operating system. According to Opera, Microsoft managed, in this manner, to reduce consumer options when it comes to browser products.

"We are filing this complaint on behalf of all consumers who are tired of having a monopolist make choices for them", said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera. "In addition to promoting the free choice of individual consumers, we are a champion of open Web standards and cross-platform innovation. We cannot rest until we've brought fair and equitable options to consumers worldwide."

Opera has urged the European Antitrus regulators to force Microsoft to unbundle Internet Explorer from Windows. And in addition, Opera also requested of the EU Antitrust Commission to force Microsoft to adopt open web standards with its browser. As an alternative to stripping Windows of Internet Explorer, Opera proposed that the Redmond company should serve rival browser installed by default and placed on the desktop with the operating system. Microsoft has failed to issue an official response at this point in time.

"Our complaint is necessary to get Microsoft to amend its practices", said Jason Hoida, Deputy General Counsel, Opera."The European Court of First Instance confirmed in September that Microsoft has illegally tied Windows Media Player to Windows. We are simply asking the Commission to apply these same, clear principles to the Internet Explorer tie, a tie that has even more profound effects on consumers and innovation. We are confident that the Commission understands the significance of the Internet Explorer tie and will take the necessary actions to restore competition and consumer choice in the browser market."