South Korea's largest Internet portal Daum Communications and 17 other software companies have agreed to take joint action against Microsoft's planned release of Windows XP.
Windows XP, the latest version of Microsoft's flagship product, is scheduled for widespread retail release on October 25th.
In a joint statement, the companies expressed deep concerns about Microsoft's attempt to disrupt the market by selling Windows XP bundled with a variety of application software. The statement demanded Microsoft immediately stop such efforts.
A Daum Communications spokeswoman said it has yet to send an official letter to Microsoft Korea, but is contemplating its next move.
Early this month, Daum filed a complaint against Microsoft over the U.S. software giant's planned release of its new operating system Windows XP.
In the complaint with the Korea Fair Trade Commission, Daum said Microsoft's bundling of a variety of application software ... including instant messaging, Internet phone service, and digital pictures ... to Windows XP,s constitutes an unfair business practice.
Daum had also threatened to take the case to court to seek an injunction against the sale of Windows XP in Korea.