Google Files Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft in the EU

Google has taken a significant step in its ongoing rivalry with Microsoft, filing a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that Microsoft's licensing practices are anticompetitive and unfairly favor its Azure cloud platform. The complaint argues that Microsoft is abusing its market dominance in operating systems to stifle competition in the cloud market. This complaint is the latest escalation in the long-running battle between the two tech giants.

• Google alleges that Microsoft is using its "must-have" software products like Windows Server to force businesses to use Azure.
• It claims that Microsoft has made it prohibitively expensive for clients to use Windows Server or other products on rival services like Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services (AWS) by marking up the price by 400 percent.
• Google further asserts that Microsoft has introduced additional obstacles, such as limiting security patches and creating interoperability barriers, for businesses that use competitor cloud platforms despite the costs.

Google Demands Fair Competition in the Cloud Market

Google, through its Cloud vice president Amit Zavery, has clearly stated that it wants the EU to remove restrictions that prevent customers from choosing the cloud platform they prefer. They believe that only regulatory action can put an end to Microsoft's alleged "vendor lock-in" and create a level playing field for all cloud providers. This complaint is not just about Google but about ensuring a fair and competitive market for all cloud providers.

Microsoft Responds, Accuses Google of Similar Tactics

Microsoft has responded to the complaint, stating that it has amicably settled similar concerns raised by other European cloud providers. They argue that Google's complaint is a tactic to continue its legal battles and that they believe the EU Commission will not side with Google. This latest dispute is a prime example of the fierce competition within the technology industry, particularly in the rapidly growing cloud computing sector.

EU Commission Investigating Microsoft's Teams App

The EU Commission has already launched an investigation into Microsoft's Teams video and messaging app. Concerns were raised about Teams being bundled with the popular Office suite, potentially creating an unfair advantage for Microsoft. While Microsoft initially untied Teams in Europe and expanded the policy globally, the Commission deemed these changes insufficient, claiming that Microsoft still violated EU antitrust rules. This ongoing investigation adds further complexity to the already tense relationship between Microsoft and the EU.

A History of Antitrust Issues

The dispute between Google and Microsoft is not new. They have been locked in a long-standing rivalry, with Google facing multiple antitrust investigations in the EU over its search dominance. Microsoft was involved in these earlier complaints, but a brief truce was eventually broken, leading to the current situation. This recent complaint signifies a renewed escalation in the battle between the two tech giants.

EU Scrutiny of Big Tech

The EU has become increasingly assertive in its scrutiny of big tech companies like Google and Microsoft, particularly in areas like data privacy, disinformation, and antitrust. This scrutiny reflects a growing concern among regulators about the power and influence of these tech giants. Google has faced substantial fines in the past, but a recent decision by an EU court overturned a fine against Google related to online advertising.