Microsoft to open up some key software blueprints

(Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday that it would make key technology elements of some of its best-selling software products widely available to boost interoperability of its software with that of competitors and customers.

To make connecting Microsoft products with third-party software products easier, Microsoft will publish on its Web site key software blueprints, known as application program interfaces, pertaining to its high-volume products used by other Microsoft products.

Microsoft also pledged not to sue open-source developers for development or noncommercial distribution of those software blueprints.

In January, the European Commission launched new antitrust investigations into Microsoft to see whether the company broke competition rules to help its Web browser and its Office and Outlook products.

 

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