Google has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Brussels, alleging unfair cloud computing practices that have limited choice and increased prices. The complaint states that Microsoft uses its Windows software to lock customers into its Azure cloud services, making it difficult for them to switch to alternatives. Google claims that Microsoft imposes steep penalties on customers who want to use rival cloud providers, while allowing them to move their Windows software to Azure for free. Amit Zavery, vice-president for Google Cloud, called on EU regulators to force Microsoft to remove restrictions on using rival cloud services. This complaint does not guarantee a formal probe but comes as Google faces tough competition from Microsoft and Amazon Web Services in the global cloud computing market.
This move by Google follows a deal made by Microsoft with a group of rival cloud providers in July, which helped the company avoid a formal investigation into its dominance in the market. Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, stated that the deal resolved past concerns and brought more competition to the sector. In response to Google’s complaint, Microsoft expressed confidence that they would fail to persuade the European Commission as they had failed with European companies.
Google’s complaint also raises concerns about how moving Windows software to competing cloud providers degrades the user experience for customers. It accuses Microsoft of discriminatory practices since financial penalties only apply to Azure’s main rivals: AWS (Amazon Web Services), Google Cloud Platform, and Alibaba Cloud.
It remains uncertain whether this antitrust complaint will lead to a formal probe or any significant changes in the industry dynamics between these tech giants.
