The UK Competition and Markets Authority published an update on October 16, 2026, detailing steps taken by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft regarding cloud services. The regulator also proposed designating Microsoft with strategic market status for its business software ecosystem.
Cloud Services and Customer Choice
According to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), an update published on October 16, 2026, outlines the steps that Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft have taken. These steps relate to changes announced in March 2026 aimed at supporting UK customers’ choice in cloud services.
The CMA stated its view that further actions can be taken to improve choice for UK customers in the cloud services market.
Microsoft Business Software Investigation
The CMA announced on October 16, 2026, its proposed decision to designate Microsoft with strategic market status (SMS) regarding its business software ecosystem.
This follows an earlier package of actions published on March 31, 2026, and an investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem launched by the CMA on May 14, 2026.
Key facts and where they come from
- The UK CMA published an update on cloud services on October 16, 2026.
16 October 2026 Update on cloud services published.
- The CMA proposed designating Microsoft with strategic market status for its business software ecosystem.
The CMA published its proposed decision to designate Microsoft with strategic market status (SMS) in relation to its business software ecosystem on 16 October 2026.
- The CMA launched an investigation into Microsoft's business software ecosystem on May 14, 2026.
The CMA launched an investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem on 14 May 2026.
