In an attempt to save a little bit of face following the fines imposed by the EU, Microsoft has constructed, released and agreed to abide by a set of 12 self-imposed guidelines for fair computing. Among them include open disclosure of APIs used so that competing vendors could use MS protocols, "standard" business terms that don't penalize non Windows using companies, support of "net neutrality" and more. They also mention "industry standards", though that could potentially mean anything. Their goal is to warm up others to Vista:
"In the broadest sense, I am here to pledge Microsoft's continued commitment to vigorous competition and vital innovation in the software marketplace – and to explain how this commitment is guiding our development of the next-generation Windows operating system, Windows Vista," said Smith.
The EU is still not backing down on their fine, and they threaten to double it if they do not receive the money by the end of this month.