Technology trade groups, including Google, have raised concerns with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about alleged unfair business practices in the cloud computing industry. In response to the FTC’s request for information on security and competition in the cloud market, the trade groups have criticized Microsoft and Oracle for using anticompetitive practices to solidify their positions. They claim that these practices discourage customers from migrating to other providers in search of better cost, service offerings, and better solutions. The scrutiny on Microsoft’s licensing agreements, which discourage rival cloud usage, has also drawn attention from Europe’s antitrust authority.

Google has followed suit with the trade groups and echoed the sentiment that current licensing terms which are enforced by Microsoft, Oracle, and other legacy on-premises software providers discourage competition in the cloud computing market and with their unilateral policies. They specifically mentioned restrictions and surcharges faced by businesses when migrating their licenses to Microsoft’s biggest cloud competitors. Microsoft has recently made some changes in response but its rivals are argue that it is not enough. The comments reflect the ongoing concerns about unfair practices and competition within the cloud computing industry.