Subj : Google, Microsoft, and AWS trade blame as UK watchdog investigate To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu Sep 19 2024 12:15:05 Google, Microsoft, and AWS trade blame as UK watchdog investigates cloud competition Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:03:00 +0000 Description: Google, Microsoft and Amazon have all criticized one another during CMA hearings, but they still think the market is fair. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Amazon, Microsoft and Google are all defending their business practices, which are under investigation by the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), by subtly point the finger at one another. By blaming each other, the three companies are hoping to deflect attention and avoid further investigations and punitory action from the CMA. Key to the investigation are factors like licensing practices and egress fees, which have led to widespread criticism from customers finding it technically complex and expensive to change provider. Industry leaders are blaming one another Google has positioned itself as the underdog in the British cloud market, citing a much smaller market share of around 5-10% compared with AWS and Microsofts combined 60-70%. The Alphabet business claims that Microsofts software licensing practices have limited customer choice customers can reuse licenses on Microsofts own Azure cloud, but they need additional licenses when using rival clouds like Googles. Meanwhile, Microsoft has dismissed the CMAs concerns, arguing that the cloud market continues to be highly dynamic and rapidly evolving. Interestingly, the company has also spoken out about retaining egress fees, stating that theyre not a significant issue for most companies. The three cloud providers each introduced egress fee exemptions and discounts to comply with European mandates some months ago. AWS has mirrored Googles criticisms of Microsofts licensing practices, however the company insists that the cloud market remains healthy and competitive. Amazon also noted that eliminating egress fees could disrupt future investments. Despite pointing out what rival companies are doing wrong, neither of the three are keen for significant regulatory action within the UK cloud market, however jointly accounting for around two-thirds of the sector, little room is left for competition from other companies. Over the coming months, the CMA is set to make a provisional decision before giving a final decision before the April 2025 deadline. Via TheRegister More from TechRadar Pro Check out the best cloud hosting providers Weve rounded up a list of the best cloud computing services Microsoft hits back at cloud CMA charge, says it isn't raising customer costs unduly ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/google-microsoft-and-aws-trade-blame-as-uk-watch dog-investigates-cloud-competition --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .