Microsoft opens door to Open-Source

Microsoft is increasing the openness of its software to appease antitrust regulators and please businesses trending toward more diverse computer systems. Microsoft said on Thursday it is making "broad-reaching changes" to its technology and business practices to enhance the ease with which its software interacts with partners, customers and competitors.

"These steps represent an important step and significant change in how we share information about our products and technologies," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

"Our goal is to promote greater interoperability, opportunity and choice for customers and developers throughout the industry by making our products more open and by sharing even more information about our technologies." The US software giant has been gradually shedding its historically protective mindset regarding intellectual property as Microsoft veterans retire and new blood is hired, according to Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle.

"There has been an incremental shift in Microsoft's internal thinking that was given a significant jolt by the European Union," Enderle told reporters.

"The underpinnings for the decision are continued frustration with trying to find ways to keep the EU happy and more pressure from customers."

Microsoft's newly announced principles apply to all its top-selling software and fit a patent framework addressed by European courts, said Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith.

"Microsoft is taking all necessary steps to make sure we are in full compliance with European law," Smith said in a conference call. "The interoperability announcement represents the changed legal landscape for Microsoft and the technology industry."

EU competition regulators responded with a skeptical statement that "takes note" of Microsoft's "intention" to improve the compatibility of its software with rival products, but still voiced antitrust concerns.

"This announcement does not relate to the question of whether or not Microsoft has been complying with EU antitrust rules in this area in the past," the European Commission said.