Microsoft to Face EU Antitrust Probe Over Teams’ Inclusion to Office Bundle

Microsoft on Thursday discovered itself the goal of an EU antitrust investigation over the tying of its chat and video app Teams with its Office product, placing it susceptible to a hefty high-quality.

The US tech big has racked up EUR 2.2 billion (roughly Rs. 20,485 crore) in EU antitrust fines within the earlier decade for practices in breach of EU competitors guidelines, together with tying or bundling two or extra merchandise collectively.

It has since then sought adopted a extra conciliatory strategy with the European Commission.

The European Commission’s investigation adopted a criticism by Salesforce-owned workspace messaging app Slack in 2020 and after the US tech big’s provide of treatments failed to handle the EU competitors enforcer’s issues.

The EU competitors enforcer stated it was involved that Microsoft could also be abusing and defending its market place in productiveness software program by limiting competitors within the European communication and collaboration merchandise market.

“Remote communication and collaboration tools like Teams have become indispensable for many businesses in Europe. We must therefore ensure that the markets for these products remain competitive, and companies are free to choose the products that best meet their needs,” EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager stated in an announcement.

A spokesperson for Microsoft stated Microsoft would proceed to co-operate with the European Commission and that the corporate remained dedicated to discovering options to handle the Commission’s issues.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the EU antitrust watchdog was set to open a probe after Microsoft declined to supply larger value cuts on its Office with out Teams.

The European Commission hopes a value differential between Office with Teams and Office with out the app will guarantee a stage enjoying subject with rivals and provides customers extra alternative, individuals accustomed to the matter have advised Reuters.

German rival alfaview final week filed a criticism much like Slack’s with the EU govt.

© Thomson Reuters 2023