Microsoft Taiwan Reaches Settlement with Taiwan Fair Trade Commission

TAIPEI, Feb. 27, 2003 — Microsoft Taiwan today confirmed it has reached a settlement with the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission (TFTC) which brings to a close the Commission’s investigation into Microsoft Taiwan which began in May, 2002.

“We are pleased that a settlement has been reached and believe it benefits the best interests of the Taiwan community and the Taiwan IT industry,” said Eunice Chiou, General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan.

The landmark agreement provides numerous benefits for the community. Microsoft will ensure as many of its Office application products, such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook, will be available in Taiwan no matter it’s in local Chinese language or English version. The agreement also includes provisions related to the company’s responsibilities and obligations promoting consumers interests, after sales service of Microsoft products and to take concrete steps in educating the public and industry of its implementation of the U.S. consent decree.

“Microsoft believes our business practices have followed the regulations in Taiwan and our operations have, and will always be, in compliance with the law. We are committed to the terms of the settlement and look forward to delivering on our promise. We have great respect for the decision of the TFTC and have taken concrete steps in response to government and community sentiment,” added Chiou.

In announcing details of the settlement, the company went beyond its agreement by unveiling plans to launch a special Consumer and Academic Software Program.

This program, scheduled to launch on March 15, will make Microsoft software products being even more accessible and available for consumers and academics.

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