News

SANTA CLARA, CA – The European Union today fined Intel an unprecedented $1.45 billion for so-called strong-arm sales tactics. Intel said it will appeal.


Intel, which has the lion’s share – about 80% – of the microprocessor market, has reportedly used its market share dominance to force PC OEMs – including Acer, Dell, H-P, Lenovo and NEC – away from competitors, including AMD.
 
The EC findings call for Intel to cease certain sales practices, which while undisclosed may include offering certain discounts in exchange for exclusive supply deals.
 
Regardless of how the EU suit ends up, Intel may not be out of the woods. The US Federal Trade Commission is currently investigating the company as well.
ROUND ROCK, TXDell said it would no longer export nonworking parts, including broken computers and monitors, to developing countries.

While the US has no federal laws banning the export of e-waste, Dell said in a press statement it was responding to complaints about lax environmental regulations. The firm said it had previously specified this requirement to contractors, but this is the first time the company has stated a clear policy on the subject.

There are loopholes, however. Dell's policy has exceptions for raw materials going back into manufacturing and nonworking parts that need to be shipped because of warranty agreements. Nor did Dell explicitly state it would prohibit waste from being shipping outside the nation it was consumed in.

Dell is the world's second largest PC maker, behind Hewlett-Packard.

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