Seattle, USA - Local MEPs Roger Helmer and Chris Heaton-Harris have met with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the Microsoft Campus in Seattle, Washington.
 
Microsoft is facing significant regulatory problems with the European Commission, and has been subject to multi-million pound fines.  The Commission has a problem with Microsoft adding additional features, such as Windows Media Player, to its Windows product, since this supposedly reduces opportunities for third party software suppliers to sell these features separately.
 
Commenting on the Commission’s position today, Mr Helmer said:
 
“I really can’t understand the Commission’s position.  It is as if they objected to Ford supplying cars with tyres since this reduces the market for retro-fitted tyres.”
 
Mr Heaton-Harris added:
 
 “Both Roger and I know that innovation from companies such as Microsoft drives job creation in the East Midlands, and so we are keen to track these developments to ensure that users throughout the region can benefit from new IT developments.”
 
Microsoft has a major research development centre working in computer games in the East  Midlands at Ashby de la Zouche.
 
ENDS