Amazon and Google unhappy with Microsoft’s cloud computing changes

Amazon and Alphabet unit Google criticised Microsoft’s cloud computing changes, claiming that they limit competition and discourage customers from switching to rival cloud service providers.

The U.S. software giant announced amended licensing deals and other changes that will make it easier for cloud service providers to compete. According to Microsoft, the changes “will enable new scenarios for how they can license and run workloads with infrastructure outsourcers” and are due to go into effect starting Oct. 1.

The new flexible virtualization benefits exclude certain “listed providers” such as Alibaba, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft itself.

Google's vice president for government affairs and policy Google Cloud Marcus Jadotte said, “Customers should be able to move freely across platforms and choose the technology that works best for them, rather than what works best for Microsoft.”

A spokesperson from AWS said, “Microsoft is now doubling-down on the same harmful practices by implementing even more restrictions in an unfair attempt to limit the competition it faces – rather than listening to its customers and restoring fair software licensing in the cloud for everyone.”