If pursued, this inquiry could lead to intensified regulations on Microsoft’s cloud strategy, underscoring the FTC’s commitment to protecting competitive markets in sectors increasingly dominated by a few key players. Neither the FTC nor Microsoft has publicly commented on the matter.
“Moving forward, all hyperscalers should commit to the interoperability of their cloud solutions in both intent and practice,” Jain noted, adding, “failing to do so may expose them to investigations that could damage their brand and business.”
Shared blame
If enterprises are finding themselves locked in to high costs, though, some of the blame may fall on them, suggested Yugal Joshi, a partner at Everest Group.