“Microsoft” restored equal conditions for vendors of antivirus products

On 15 August 2017, FAS terminated a case against “Microsoft Corporation” due to fulfilling FAS requirements.

“Kaspersky Laboratory” OJSC complained to FAS that in 2015, prior to releasing Windows 10 Operational System, “Microsoft Corporation” had not given “Kaspersky Laboratory” as well as other antivirus software vendors sufficient time to enable compatibility of their antivirus applications with the new operational system - Windows 10. The period for providing the RTM–version was cut down from 2 months to 6 days.

The statement formed the grounds for opening the case on violating the antimonopoly law.

Investigating the case, the Commission found that the totality of actions of “Microsoft Corporation” demonstrating some signs of creating special conditions for a software product - Windows Defender, as well as signs of unfair competition – placing video materials on the official web-site of “Microsoft Corporation” and “Youtube”, where representatives of “Microsoft Corporation” ask users to reject  third-party antivirus software in favour of Windows Defender, therefore, creating preferences to its own product.

Having considered the circumstances, on 13 June 2017 FAS issued two warnings to “Microsoft Corporation” to stop actions (omissions) that had signs of violating the antimonopoly law.

“Microsoft Corporation” reported about executing the warnings within the designated period.

As a result, “Microsoft Corporation” made changes to its “Antimalware Platform Requirements” that regulate the interaction procedures between “Microsoft Corporation” and independent vendors of antivirus software.

“Microsoft Corporation” extended the period for providing RTM-versions of ОС Windows 10 operational system to independent vendors of antivirus software and improved interaction between “Microsoft” and independent AV vendors.

Executing the FAS warning, “Microsoft Corporation” removed video materials, where its representatives had requested to reject third-party antivirus software in favour of “Windows Defender” and stopped other actions that had signs of unfair competition.

Having considered the materials of the case against “Microsoft Corporation”, FAS concluded that the warnings had been executed.

On 15 August 2017, “Kaspersky Laboratory” OJSC and “Microsoft Corporation” confirmed executing the warnings in full.

Executing FAS warnings creates equal conditions for vendors of antivirus products; thus, supporting efficient competition on the market of information technologies.

Deputy Head of FAS Anatoly Golomolzin pointed out: “Competition conditions on the market are restored, no penalty shall be applied”.