China opens Microsoft probe

(ANSA) Beijing, July 29 - Chinese authorities confirmed Tuesday that an "anti-monopoly" probe has been opened into Microsoft in China, the Xinhua news agency said.
    "Surprise inspections" are under way at offices of the American computer giant on orders of "the market controller organism," the agency said.
    Some Chinese websites reported that surprise inspections were being carried out at Microsoft offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
    A Microsoft China spokesperson confirmed the office searches, saying the company is "actively" collaborating with those in charge of the inquiry.
    In May authorities announced a ban on the use in public offices of Windows 8, the most recent operating system elaborated by the American company.
    The Xinhua agency said then that the decision was taken to guarantee the security of Chinese users' computers after Microsoft abandoned the Windows Xp system that was used widely in China.