Google levies allegations of unfair practices against Microsoft’s Azure cloud unit

2 min. read

Published onJune 22, 2023

published onJune 22, 2023

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Google has lodged an official grievance with the Federal Trade Commission alleging that its adversary, Microsoft, employs deceptive tactics to secure deals with its Azure cloud server services,CNBC reports.

Google submitted a letter to the Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday, in which they have raised concerns regarding Microsoft’s licensing practices which they consider biased and detrimental to healthy competition. The company has accused Microsoft of attempting to influence the cloud computing market by restricting clients’ freedom to switch services.

The letter has been sent in response to a broader inquiry by the FTC to receive opinions on possible activities that could be deemed anti-competitive within the cloud industry.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Google has taken action against Microsoft with antitrust agencies.As reported by Reuters, the search giant urged European regulators to closely scrutinize Microsoft’s “anti-competitive posture” earlier this year.

Over the past six months, Microsoft has been beset by a string of antitrust grievances, with the Competition and Markets Authority in Europe taking issue with its bid to obtain gaming corporation Activision Blizzard, ultimately blocking the acquisition. Additionally, the FTC brought legal action to thwart the proposed merger.

In the complaint, Google targeted Microsoft by asserting that its dominance in the market through the deployment of Windows Server and Microsoft Offices makes it challenging for its extensive client base to opt for anything other than Azure cloud infrastructure. The search giant further described the restrictions imposed by Microsoft’s complicated licensing framework as a hindrance to companies seeking to diversify their enterprise software vendors.

In addition to this, Google went on to bring forth the issue of significant national security and cybersecurity risks arising from such a level of control by Microsoft. It outlined a series of cyberattacks, including the SolarWinds breach, linked to Microsoft products as a matter of concern.

ViaCNBC

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Google levies allegations of unfair practices against Microsoft’s Azure cloud unit#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Google levies allegations of unfair practices against Microsoft’s Azure cloud unit