Microsoft resolves rift with Google

The Justice Department said Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with Microsoft Corp. resolving Google Inc.’s complaints that its desktop search engine failed to perform properly on Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system.

The agreement “will resolve any issues the complaint may raise under the final judgments” that ended a government antitrust suit against Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, the Justice Department said.

The agreement was disclosed in a joint filing with the attorneys general of 17 states, including California’s Jerry Brown.

“We’re pleased we were able to reach an agreement with all the states and the Justice Department that addresses their concerns so that everyone can move forward,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s general counsel.

Google said June 11 that Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft was violating a consent decree and limiting consumer choice because the Vista desktop search features prevented consumers from choosing an alternative browser.

A federal appeals court in 2001 found that Microsoft illegally defended its Windows monopoly by discouraging computer makers from promoting a rival search engine provider.