TECHNOLOGY - Sept. 7, 1993

EC to Probe Microsoft Trade Practices: Microsoft Corp., already undergoing an antitrust investigation in the United States, said authorities are preparing to examine its business practices in Europe. A Microsoft spokesman said Provo, Utah-based Novell Inc. has accused the leading computer software publisher of using licensing arrangements with computer manufacturers to violate European Community rules on competition. Novell, which makes the popular Netware operating system for personal computer networks, filed a complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission, the executive arm of the 12-nation trading bloc. A Microsoft spokesman in Belgium denied Novell’s claims and said the company is ready to meet with authorities. “Microsoft has acted in a legal and ethical manner and Novell’s allegations are meritless,” the spokesman said, saying the Redmond, Wash.-based company will issue a statement on the EC complaint today.