UK regulator proposes special market status for Microsoft business software
The UK Competition and Markets Authority opened consultation on an October 16 proposal to designate Microsoft’s business software ecosystem with strategic market status.
What the record says
The regulator identifies software bundling, interoperability and customer switching as areas for further examination. Its indicative roadmap also considers choice between AI tools and the interaction of software licensing with cloud deployment. Any designation and subsequent interventions would require separate decisions under the applicable legal tests.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Consult the CMA’s official case materials for the proposed decision, consultation and possible next steps.
Limits and what is not established
The findings are provisional. This is not a final designation or a finding of wrongdoing, and proposed future interventions have not been imposed.
Sources checked October 16, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
UK Competition and Markets Authority: original information