Becta complains to OFT about Microsoft

The government's education and technology agency Becta has complained to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) about Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive practices in the school software market.

Earlier this year, Becta released two reports highlighting its concerns about Microsoft licensing arrangements and document interoperability between that firm's software and free alternatives. Becta said it has been in discussions with the software giant to make changes, but that not enough progress has been made on those two key issues.

"As no agreement has been reached with Microsoft in a number of key areas, and after reviewing detailed legal advice, Becta has taken the decision to make a complaint to the Office of Fair Trading," Becta said in a statement. "It is hoped that by taking this step Microsoft will move promptly to address the issues raised."

A Microsoft spokesperson said: "We have not yet seen a copy of Becta's letter so we are unable to make a specific comment at this stage. Everyday schools across the UK benefit through using our technology and participating in our academic programmes. We are in ongoing discussions with Becta on this matter."

Until the issue is resolved, Becta said it would advise any schools against signing up to Microsoft's School Agreement subscription licensing model until the OFT has had time to respond. "If schools have already entered into a School Agreement licensing model they should consider their renewal and their buyout options alongside any findings the OFT may make," Becta said.

It advised schools to only deploy Office 2007 when that software package's interoperability with alternative products is satisfactory. "That would necessarily imply effective support by Microsoft of the internationally approved ODF file format," Becta said.

"Becta is determined to get the best deal it can for schools and indeed for the wider educational system, and to make it as cost-effective and convenient as possible for educational customers to acquire the ICT products and services they choose. This demands an effective educational ICT marketplace and the avoidance of impediments to effective competition and choice," the organisation said in its statement.

In response to Becta's referral, the OFT said they would consider the complaint carefully.

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