“The cloud computing market has never been so dynamic and competitive,” Alaily said, emphasizing the potential for AI-driven growth in the U.K.
Reactions from Rivals
- Amazon questioned the need for regulatory intervention, warning that it could stifle innovation and harm customers.
- Google Cloud, in contrast, welcomed the CMA’s stance, with Vice President Chris Lindsay stating that restrictive licensing practices “threaten economic growth and stifle innovation.”
Related Litigation
Microsoft is already defending a £2 billion claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal over allegedly abusive licensing fees for its Windows Server product, widely used in cloud computing. Competition lawyer and class representative Maria Luisa Stasi praised the CMA’s provisional findings, asserting that “Microsoft has already overcharged businesses for years.”
