Google has filed an official complaint against Microsoft with the US FTC. Microsoft exploits Windows Server and Office to lock down customers in the Azure ecosystem.

The complaint comes in response to a call from the FTC to address anti-competitive behavior in the cloud industry. Microsoft is very explicitly mentioned in the complaint, which CNBC was able to obtain a copy of. The almost inseparable connection between Azure, Windows Server and Office makes it difficult for customers to buy their infrastructure from another provider, according to Google.

Google also shies away from hard statements. For example, Microsoft’s licensing terms are described as a “complex web” that “prevents companies from diversifying their enterprise software vendors.” In addition, this lock-in also poses security risks for customers, with Google pointing out vulnerabilities that sometimes appear in Microsoft products.

Battle of the Giants

Google’s accusation is certainly not an isolated case. Google openly criticized Microsoft back in March and is now putting its words into action. Two years ago, several smaller European players, including the French OHV Cloud, also went to court against anti-competitive behavior by Microsoft. Microsoft managed to settle this case through a settlement.

Whether that will work in this case remains to be seen. Google, itself no stranger to antitrust litigation, is one of Microsoft’s biggest competitors in the cloud industry. In this case, great interests are at stake. Microsoft has not responded to Google’s allegations.

oracle

Incidentally, the accusation is not just limited to Microsoft. Google is also targeting Oracle. Oracle is known for its rather complicated licensing model. Not only are these companies forcing their customers into a monolithic cloud model, they are also limiting choice, increasing costs for customers, and disrupting growing and thriving digital ecosystems. A story that will surely get a long tail.