What the EU Antitrust Czar could do:
BREAK UP MICROSOFT
EU officials insist that they have the power to break the software giant into pieces. But such a hardball move could spark a titanic struggle with Washington.
OPEN THE SOURCE CODE
Making Windows' source code available would allow competitors to clone Microsoft's (MSFT) entire arsenal--a disaster for Redmond. But there was no mention of source code in Monti's statement of objections.
PROBABILITY Long shot.
By separating key features, such as Windows Media Player, from the operating system, the EU could make it easier for competitors to push their way on to the Windows platform with their own competing services.
PROBABILITY More likely.
INSIST ON ACCESS
Competitors complain that Microsoft keeps software standards secret for too long, prohibiting them from building products that work seamlessly with Microsoft's own. Monti could push Microsoft to release more information earlier.