Microsoft has announced its decision to globally separate its messaging app Teams from its Office products, following its initial move to unbundle the services in Europe six months ago.
Clarity for Customers and Compliance with EU
According to a statement from Microsoft, extending the unbundling measure globally aims to provide clarity for customers and address feedback from the European Commission. The move is intended to offer multinational companies greater flexibility in standardizing their purchasing practices across different regions.
Response to Antitrust Investigation
The decision comes in the wake of a formal antitrust investigation launched by the European Commission in response to concerns raised by the communication platform Slack, now under Salesforce. The Commission expressed apprehensions that Microsoft’s bundling of Teams with its productivity suites could grant it a distribution advantage and limit interoperability with competing offerings.
European Precedent and Regulatory Compliance
Microsoft’s response to the antitrust investigation included offering Microsoft 365 at a reduced price without Teams in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Additionally, the company pledged to enhance resources on interoperability to facilitate collaboration with third-party companies, aligning its practices with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Continued Updates and Compliance Efforts
As the global extension of the unbundling measure unfolds, Microsoft remains committed to ensuring compliance with regulatory authorities while enhancing transparency and flexibility for its customers worldwide. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect its dedication to addressing regulatory concerns and fostering a competitive environment in the digital marketplace.
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