The Post suggested that terms of the agreement were still being drafted indicating that there remains a risk of any negotiations falling through at the eleventh hour.
The reported terms of the agreement allow Microsoft to leave Windows as it was and allow it to bundle applications with its operating system. However, the company would have to disclose technical information to rivals and make it easier for personal computer makers to install rival software.
The Post also suggested that the government and Microsoft would enter into a five year consent decree meaning that any restrictions would expire after five years, providing Microsoft upheld its side of the bargain, if it failed to do so then the restrictions would be extended to last a further two years.
According to the Washington Post, Microsoft would go so far only to say that “we’re working hard to achieve a settlement” stressing that nothing is yet set in concrete.