Microsoft Proposes Changes to Cloud Computing Practices

A knowledgeable source reported that "Microsoft has proposed changes to its cloud computing practices to resolve antitrust complaints filed by smaller competing companies," in a move aimed at avoiding a European Union investigation. The French cloud service provider OVHcloud, the Italian company Aruba, and an association of Danish companies have lodged complaints with the European Commission regarding Microsoft's cloud practices and licensing agreements. The source noted that the American software company has made a constructive proposal based on statements made by its CEO Brad Smith last year, and pointed out that the commission, which has imposed fines on Microsoft totaling over 1.6 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in the past decade, will monitor the settlement. Microsoft expressed gratitude for the productive discussions that led to this stage and values the feedback it has received since then. OVHcloud declined to comment. The European Union's antitrust authority, Aruba, and the Danish association have yet to respond to requests for comment.