IBM Slapped With 3rd Mainframe Antitrust Complaint in Europe

From PC World: The third antitrust complaint against IBM's mainframe business was filed with the European Commission Tuesday, compounding the firm's regulatory problems in Europe.

Recently created TurboHercules, a French firm active in the market for open-source mainframe computer software, said in a statement that IBM ties its operating system software to purchases of its mainframe hardware, thus freezing out smaller competitors.

"This conduct prevents TurboHercules from providing its product to mainframe customers desiring an open-source solution," said Roger Bowler, chairman of TurboHercules.

IBM hit back, accusing TurboHercules of trying to get a free ride on the back of IBM investments in mainframes.

"TurboHercules is an 'emulation' company that seeks a free ride on IBM's massive investments in the mainframe by marketing systems that attempt to mimic the functionality of IBM mainframes," the company said in a statement.

It likened TurboHercules' behavior to that of firms that "seek to market cheap knock-offs of brand-name clothing or apparel."

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