FTC Ratchets Up Microsoft Probe, Queries Rivals on Cloud, AI (bloomberg.com)
- Reference: 0180787852
- News link: https://slashdot.org/story/26/02/13/1757219/ftc-ratchets-up-microsoft-probe-queries-rivals-on-cloud-ai
- Source link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-13/ftc-ratchets-up-microsoft-probe-queries-rivals-on-cloud-ai
> The agency has issued civil investigative demands in recent weeks to companies that compete with Microsoft in the business software and cloud computing markets, according to people familiar with the matter. The demands feature an array of questions on Microsoft's licensing and other business practices, according to the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss a confidential investigation.
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> With the demands, which are effectively like civil subpoenas, the FTC is seeking evidence that Microsoft makes it harder for customers to use Windows, Office and other products on rival cloud services. The agency is also requesting information on Microsoft's bundling of artificial intelligence, security and identity software into other products, including Windows and Office, some of the people said.
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-13/ftc-ratchets-up-microsoft-probe-queries-rivals-on-cloud-ai
Nadella run out of cash? (Score:3)
Seems like some cash, or a gold bar in the shape of the Msft logo, delivered in some sycophantic ceremony in the Oval Office should help here. All the cool CEOs are doing similar now.
Re: Nadella run out of cash? (Score:4, Insightful)
More like the ballroom is running over budget and my arch isn't going to build itself.
How is it a monopoly this time? (Score:4, Insightful)
Unlike in 2000, when Microsoft had done a lot of things to sabotage Netscape, OS/2, Borland and others, this time, they're on an even footing. I'm no fan of MS, especially now, but how is the market situation even close to being a monopoly?
On the Cloud front, there is AWS and Azure as the top 2, but there are others as well - Google, Oracle,... Anyone who doesn't want Microsoft can go to any of these 4, or myriad others. Also, the entry barriers to starting a Cloud service are not that high
On the AI front, CoPilot is not even #1. There is ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, AskPerplexity and a whole host of others. And many are just better
Unlike in 2000, Microsoft is no longer in a position where they can extend, embrace and extinguish their competition
Re: How is it a monopoly this time? (Score:2)
It is a little weird that the FTC is going after the SECOND biggest cloud operator as if they were a monopoly.
Amazon is almost 50% bigger.
Re: (Score:3)
Bezos is buddies with cheeto and Gates funds "woke liberal" ventures like vaccines and clean water. No surprise there.
Re: (Score:1)
Per CPU/core/computer licensing. I just setup two laptops for family. It actually says "Internet connection required." Antitrust failed us. I am a PC DOS w/Stacker and OS/2 fanboy. Original mickey$oft hater.
Learning a lesson (Score:3)
Microsoft learned that a tyrant is never appeased. [1]https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/0... [cnbc.com]
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/09/microsoft-contributes-1-million-to-trumps-inauguration-fund.html
Worse than that (Score:3)
Giving in is interpreted as choosing to become a vassal. He thinks he owns you after that, and will keep coming back for more.
Respond to a fascist with a fist or you will be owned by them. Your choice.