Microsoft Disputes CMA's Cloud Market Findings

In a bold move, Microsoft has publicly challenged the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding its investigation into the lucrative £9 billion UK cloud computing market. The tech giant released a comprehensive 56-page response, critiquing the CMA for underestimating the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.

The CMA's initial findings in January hinted at Microsoft using its dominant software position to stifle competition from rivals like Amazon Web Services and Google. However, the regulator downplayed AI's direct impact on competition within the traditional cloud sector. Microsoft refuted this stance, labeling it a "fundamental mistake" and highlighting AI's escalating importance to corporate clients. Furthermore, Microsoft cautioned that regulatory interference might have adverse effects, potentially stunting growth and investment in the UK's cloud market.