One of the regulatory cases I discuss in the conclusion to Internet Politics finally came to an end yesterday, or so it would seem, when Microsoft Corporation agreed that it would open up its server software to competitors. The basic issue here is interoperability. The Commission has argued for three years that Microsoft's refusal to geuninely open up its code was anti-competitive and slapped £350 million fine on the company in 2004. Microsoft lost its latest appeal and has decided not to re-appeal the decision.

Next, the Commission will be turning its attention to Google's recent acquisition of Doubleclick.