Russia launches antitrust lawsuit at Microsoft

Microsoft is suddenly finding itself embroiled in another potential antitrust case, as Russian antitrust regulators investigate Microsoft's retirement plans for the venerable Windows XP operating system. Spearheaded by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), Microsoft is accused of abusing its position in order to force users to purchase Windows Vista.

One main contention of FAS is that demand for Windows XP remains high, based on its checks with retailers. In addition, Microsoft is also charged with setting different prices for the same product, a violation of Russian antitrust laws. This is probably related to how Microsoft charges computer makers OEM pricing versus steeper rates at the retail level for "boxed" licenses. The case with Microsoft will be heard in July 24, 2009. I suppose the lawsuit will be dropped the moment Windows 7 arrives on October 22, and everyone suddenly suffers amnesia about Windows XP.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Computerworld

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