IBM Settles Antitrust Case with E.U.

The New York Times: IBM has reached an agreement with the E.U.’s European Commission that will end the commission’s antitrust investigation of IBM’s mainframe business. Under the terms of the deal, IBM will provide more technical information in a timely manner to other vendors who serve its mainframe customers. In addition, IBM will supply parts to those vendors at a competitive price. “These commitments are legally binding for five years,” said a commission spokesperson. “I.B.M. must respect them or risk a fine.”

Earlier this year, the European Commission closed another case that was also related to IBM’s mainframe business when the three companies involved dropped their complaints.