Russians Want Windows XP - Investigate Microsoft

The Russians are investigating Microsoft for possible antitrust violations because the Redmond software giant is starting to cut off the supply of Windows XP. The Russians allege that Microsoft not only has started cutting the supply of Windows XP but also computers with Windows XP pre-installed. But what the Russians also allege is that Microsoft is violating anti-monopoly laws by fixing the price of Windows XP.

According to a recent article it states:

“Analysis of the market for various operating systems shows that the transfer to the new Windows Vista operating system is occurring while demand for the previous operating system, Windows XP, continues,” the service said.

“Demand for separately packaged and pre-installed verions of Windows XP is also confirmed by retailers and the number of orders from the government.”

It said it would consider the case on July 24, 2009.

Microsoft’s Moscow office said it had not received an official query from the anti-monopoly service.

“We (have) always answered antimonopoly service questions in full and intend to continue this practice in future,” Microsoft spokeswoman Marina Levina said by telephone.

The anti-monopoly service is regularly in contact with Russian companies but full-scale investigations are not common.

But it appears that the Russians may not be looking at severally punishing Microsoft like the European Union just did. However, the Russians appear to be serious about wanting their Windows XP back.

Comments welcome.

Source.