-- Providing opportunities for developers to build innovative products on the Windows platform, including products that directly compete with Microsoft's own products.

-- Creating interoperability for users so they can control their data and exchange information securely and reliably across diverse computer systems and applications.

The 12 tenets include promises to allow computer makers to add any icons, shortcuts and other features to the Windows Start menu and related Windows features, to not retaliate against computer makers who offer non-Microsoft software and to ease the release of Windows APIs to developers so they can develop new Windows programs.

"We're not suggesting that the Windows Principles will address every question raised by regulators and competitors," Smith said. "However, the fact that there are unanswered questions shouldn't impede the adoption of a broad set of principles in those areas where there is clarity and consensus."

Smith said these principles will remain in place after major parts of the U.S. antitrust ruling expire late next year.