Today Microsoft reached hand and agreed to three substantial changes that will put them in compliance with the 2004 anti-trust decision, when they were accused to breach the European rules against monopoly. After losing the September appeal last month, their prize was a fine of $688 million dollars and 80% of the European Commission costs for this case.
The deal was made on 
the phone between Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and Commissioner Neelie Kroes with the EU Competition which concluded that "as of today, the major issues concerning compliance have been resolved". Microsoft needs to stay below the radar on the following points and everything will be great:
- Other software developers, competition or open source, should be able to access and use Microsoft's interoperability information.
- Royalties for the information will consist of an one time only €10,000 (thats like $14,348)
- Microsoft has to reduce the royalties they charge for their patents and licenses from 5.9% to 0.4%.
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