Judge OKs Most Microsoft Provisions

The sanctions are to last for at least five years unless extended by the court, the judge said.

The approved settlement requires Microsoft to disclose some sensitive technology to its rivals months earlier than the company and the Justice Department had proposed.

"The court is satisfied that the parties have reached a settlement which comports with the public interest," U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote.

Microsoft said it was reviewing the decision.

"The issues in this case are significant, not only for Microsoft but for the industry and consumers," spokesman Vivek Varma said. "We are committed to resolving these issues in a constructive way so that we can focus on long-term growth and innovation for consumers."

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