What's Ahead in European Microsoft Settlement

VERY SOON

The European Union's competition commissioner, Mario Monti, will appoint a monitoring trustee to track Microsoft Corp.'s compliance with the commission's 24 March ruling.

Within 90 Days

Microsoft is to offer distributors a version of its Windows operating system without its Media Player built into the desktop, and with "hooks" enabling competitors to connect their applications to the desktop.

Image Composite: Michael R. Vella

Bill Gates: chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp.

Within 120 Days

Microsoft must disclose interface software that will permit servers made by competitors to shake hands successfully with Windows applications and provide hooks for rival application connections.

IN 2006–2007

If the EU ruling holds, Microsoft may have to forgo bundling applications like its own Internet search engine into the Longhorn desktop operating system, its next scheduled major update of Windows.