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Microsoft rebuts Google's anti-competition Vista accusation
Microsoft has rebutted Google's accusation that it has set up its new Vista operating system in such a way that it gives its own desktop search software an unfair advantage over the competition.Google sent a white paper to the US Justice Department claiming that Vista made it hard for users to use rival desktop search applications, such as the free version made by Google itself.
Speaking to the AFP news agency, Google's Ricardo Reyes said: "The search boxes built throughout Vista are hard-wired to Microsoft's own desktop search product, with no way for users to choose an alternate provider from these visible search access points.
"Likewise, Vista makes it impractical to turn off Microsoft's search index."
However, Microsoft spokesman Jack Evans denied that it was stifling rival programs.
"We believe there are no compliance issues with desktop Vista but we are willing to review what ways we can resolve this matter," he said.
"During the past two years we have worked closely with federal and state officials to review features on Vista, including desktop search."
Because around nine out of ten of the world's computers use Microsoft's software, it is prohibited from making it difficult for rival firms' programs to be used on Windows.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced several critical patches to fix problems with its operating systems including Vista.
Vista was introduced for home users in January and its improved search functionality is likely to drive forward internet marketing.
Website owners can benefit from link building.
Microsoft News posted on 14 June 2007
