Microsoft pays EU in full

C|Net | at | by Mike

Microsoft has paid the $600 million fine handed down by the European Commission in its antitrust ruling against the company. Representatives of the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant confirmed Friday that Microsoft deposited the payment in an escrow account while the company's appeal is taking place. While Microsoft had the option of submitting a promissory note in place of such a payout until proceedings are complete, the company dipped into its massive cash reserves, estimated at $50 billion, to cover the largest antitrust fine ever levied against a company by the European Union.