Microsoft Sidesteps Hefty Eu Fine with teams that are divided

The European Union said on Friday that he accepted the commitment Microsoft To arrange their teams, the workplace communication platform from its popular performance applications.

The decision essentially frees Microsoft from obtaining a potentially hefty antitrust after the company was accused by the European Commission – the EU executive body – violation of competition rules with “offensive” inclusion of its teams and office products.

“With today’s decision, we have been making duties for seven years and more Microsoft commitments to put an end to its practice, which can prevent opponents from competing effectively with teams,” said Teresa Ribera, executive vice president on a pure, fair and competitive transition.

According to the obligations that Microsoft first introduced in May, the American software giant will make the versions of its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 Software Suites available at a reduced price without teams, and allow customers from long -term transition licenses.

The company will also provide interaction between tools that compete with teams and some Microsoft products, and will allow customers to move the data from competing products.

After that Microsoft has It is also suggested that additional commitments to solve competition problems after the European Commission market protested the initial promises of the firm.

These included an increase in price difference between some Microsoft 365 and Office 365 Suites without teams and those who have teams by 50%, and clarifying that Microsoft websites advertise suite with teams that should demonstrate the appropriate offer without it.

“We appreciate the dialogue with the commission that led to this Agreement, and now we are turning to the prompt and fully implementation of these new obligations,” Nanna-Linde, Vice President of the European Government said in a statement.

The EU first opened an antitrust investigation Microsoft in July 2023 after a complaint against Seller-This Slack Holder, who has a rival chat for teams. The slavery was Acquired Salesforce for 27.7 billion dollars In 2021.

Slack was not immediately available for comments when referred to CNBC.