He investigated Microsoft's enterprise software ecosystem.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stated that concerns have arisen about the potential for difficulties for UK customers in integrating Microsoft software with products from other vendors.

On May 14th, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced the opening of an investigation to determine whether Microsoft holds a “strategic market position” (SMS) in the enterprise software sector, and to examine the possibility that the technology giant may be restricting competition and customer choice.

This is the fourth “strategic market position” investigation launched by the CMA since the UK’s digital market competition regulation came into effect in January 2025.

According to the CMA, hundreds of thousands of businesses and public sector organizations in the UK currently use software from the Microsoft ecosystem such as Windows, Word, Excel, Teams, and the Copilot artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

This ecosystem currently has over 15 million commercial users in the UK and is considered to play a vital role in the functioning of the economy .

CMA stated that the enterprise software market is changing rapidly with the strong development of AI, especially the trend of integrating AI into daily work tools.

According to this agency, an effective competitive environment will help customers access the best products at competitive prices and allow them to flexibly combine AI software and services from multiple providers.

However, the CMA noted concerns have arisen about the potential for UK customers to have difficulty integrating Microsoft software with products from other vendors.

The investigation will focus on whether Microsoft used its market position to restrict consumer choice.

The investigation covered issues such as bundled product sales, limited software compatibility, or the use of default settings that made it difficult for customers to switch to other vendors.

The CMA will also consider the extent to which competing AI companies can integrate their products with Microsoft's software ecosystem.

The scope of the investigation covers various product groups such as office software, computer and server operating systems, database management systems, and security software.

According to the CMA, if Microsoft is determined to have a “strategic market position,” the agency may consider implementing measures to promote competition, including issues related to Microsoft's software licensing practices in the cloud computing sector.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said that enterprise software is a vital foundation for the functioning of the UK economy, from small businesses to public services and essential infrastructure.

According to her, the goal of the CMA is to assess market developments, Microsoft's position, and consider whether appropriate measures need to be implemented to ensure customers benefit from choice, innovation, and competitive pricing.

The investigation is expected to last nine months.

The CMA stated that it will consult extensively with businesses, customers, competitors, and emerging technology companies before making a final decision in February 2027.

The CMA stressed that opening an investigation and reviewing the designation of "strategic market position" does not mean Microsoft has violated the law. If designated as having a strategic market position, the corporation may be subject to anti-competitive practices or measures under UK regulations.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/anh-dieu-tra-he-sinh-thai-phan-mem-doanh-nghiep-cua-microsoft-post1110529.vnp