UK regulator to probe Microsoft business software market

The competition regulator in the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it will initiate a formal investigation into the business software ecosystem of Microsoft Corporation starting this May. This new inquiry will specifically examine the tech giant's use of software licensing within the cloud computing market. The move follows findings from a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) inquiry group last year, which concluded that the market dominance held by Microsoft and Amazon.com, Inc. was negatively impacting competition in the cloud sector. While the CMA noted on Tuesday that both corporations have taken material steps to reduce certain fees within the cloud market, concerns regarding broader software licensing practices remain. Under the upcoming probe, Microsoft could potentially be designated with a strategic market status in the business software sector. Such a classification would grant the regulator expanded powers to intervene and enforce changes regarding how software is licensed to customers and competitors.