EC begins antitrust probe against IBM

Proceedings does not mean that EC has proof of infringements

PTI | July 27, 2010



The European Commission has started a formal antitrust investigation against technology major IBM Corp for allegedly abusing its market dominance in mainframe computers.

The Commission today said it will probe IBM in two separate cases, both of which are related to the company's conduct in the market for mainframe computers.

Mainframes are those computers used by many large companies and government institutions worldwide to store and process critical business information.

In a statement, the antitrust agency said the first case follows complaints by emulator software vendors T3 and Turbo Hercules, regarding allegations that IBM engaged in "illegal tying of its mainframe hardware products to its dominant mainframe operating system".

"The second is an investigation begun on the Commission's own initiative of IBM's alleged discriminatory behaviour towards competing suppliers of mainframe maintenance services," the EC noted.

Last year, about 8.5 billion euros were spent on new mainframe hardware and operating systems while such expenditure stood at 3 billion euros for the European Economic Area.

According to the statement, the initiation of proceedings does not imply that the Commission has proof of infringements but only "signifies that the Commission will further probe the cases as a matter of priority".

Moreover, the Commission has concerns on whether IBM engaged in anti-competitive practices with a view to foreclosing the market for maintenance services--keeping potential competitors out.

 

Comments

 

Other News

Cabinet approves museum at North-South Block complex

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday has approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM) at the North and South Block Complex, New Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of ₹3,230 crore, as appraised by the Public Investmen

Cabinet approves extension of Noida metro corridor

The Union Cabinet, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Aqua Line Metro Rail Corridor from Noida Sector-51 to Greater Noida Sector-04 of Noida Metro Rail Project with corridor for a length of 8.449 km with 5 elevated stations. On operationalization of this corridor, Noid

India reaffirms commitment to climate multilateralism

India has reaffirmed its commitment to climate multilateralism and the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), calling for a fair, equitable and ambitious outcome at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framewo

How the mind can help the body heal itself

Why do some people recover from illness against all odds? Can our beliefs, emotions and consciousness influence the body’s ability to heal? Drawing on over three decades of experience in medicine, research and medical innovation, internationally trained ophthalmologist and author Dr Dinesh Verma ex

1,364 anti-cancer formulations to cost less from today

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has capped trade margins on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of 137 anti-cancer drugs. This was based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee constitute

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter