Microsoft faces EU deadline next week

The long running dispute between Microsoft and the EU over whether the software maker is complying with its year-old antitrust decree may come to a head next week, one way or another. The commission has said it is giving Microsoft until the end of May to come into compliance.

It is unclear whether the two will reach an accord by the deadline. If not, European authorities have threatened to fine Microsoft millions of dollars a day for noncompliance.

A representative for the Redmond, Wash.-based software maker said on Friday that "Microsoft continues to work hard with the commission towards an agreement on full compliance with the decision." EU representatives have also said they expect an accord.