Opera, a Norwegian company providing innovative products that make the Web a reality on any device, is going against an industry giant, Microsoft.

It has filed a complaint with the European Commission by describing how Microsoft is exploiting its position to limit the choice of Web browsers. They allegedly tie their Internet Explorer browser to the Windows OS. Moreover, they also hinder interoperability and discourage developers by not following the accepted standards.

“We are filing this complaint on behalf of all consumers who are tired of having a monopolist make choices for them,” said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera. “In addition to promoting the free choice of individual consumers, we are a champion of open Web standards and cross-platform innovation. We cannot rest until we’ve brought fair and equitable options to consumers worldwide.”

Opera also requested the Commission to remedy this problem by obligating Microsoft to unbundle Internet Explorer from Windows and/or carry alternative browsers pre-installed on the desktop.

Also, the European Commission must require Microsoft to follow fundamental and open Web standards accepted by the Web-authoring communities.

While the goal is very praiseworthy, All About Microsoft thinks filing a complaint is such a bad idea. Plus, Microsoft said any consumers have the right to download any browser they like such as Mozilla Firefox.

Via Compiler

Related posts:

1. Opera 10.50 Released, Brags of Being the Fastest Browser for Windows
2. Opera Mini Browser Arrives on Windows Mobile Phones
3. Opera Mini 5 for Android Promises Faster Web Browsing, Almost Failed
4. Opera Mini Gets More Downloads from iPhone Owners in March
5. iPhone to Have a New Browser, the Opera Mini