Fears about Amazon and Microsoft cloud computing dominance trigger UK probe
Concerns from regulators about the dominance of Amazon and Microsoft in Britain’s cloud computing market have triggered a investigation into the competitiveness of the key industry
LONDON (AP) — Concerns from regulators about the dominance of Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT) in Britain’s cloud computing market have triggered an investigation into the competitiveness of the key industry.
The U.K. communications regulator Ofcom said Thursday that its yearlong study of the cloud communications services market found features that could limit competition. British businesses face barriers when they try to switch or use multiple cloud suppliers, it said.
Cloud computing uses data centers around the world to store photos and emails or run software. It has become a vital service for many businesses, which turn to cloud providers to avoid the cost of buying expensive equipment and real estate to run their own data centers.
Ofcom asked the U.K. antitrust watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, to take a closer look at the 7.5 billion-pound ($9 billion) cloud market. The watchdog said it was opening an in-depth investigation that's expected to wrap up by April 2025.
