Reports allegeIn response to Microsoft's recent settlement with the Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers of Europe (CISPE), Google offered 4.7 million euros (about 5.12 million U.S. dollars) in funds, hoping that the CISPE would continue to fight against Microsoft. Its purpose was obviously to make Microsoft face investigation by EU regulators to see if it was involved in monopoly.
Prior to this, the European Association of Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers (AECISP) accused Microsoft of bundling its business software with Azure cloud services, making it difficult for businesses to switch between different cloud services as needed. Related reports allege that Google had planned to offer a five-year Google Cloud service license worth €5 million and €4.55 million in cash in exchange for AECISP's support of the lawsuit against Microsoft.
If Microsoft continues to be accused, it will trigger subsequent market monopoly investigations by EU regulators, which means that Google Cloud and AWS will be able to compete and profit from cloud services in the European market.
Amazon also seems to have provided about 600 million euros to the European Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers Association, but Amazon emphasized that it is a member of the European Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers Association and makes regular donations to the association like other members.
Google responded that it is currently considering joining the European Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers Association to promote the principle of fair licensing of software use.
After Microsoft reached a settlement with the European Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers Association (CEIPSA), President Brad Smith stated that he welcomed the settlement and that it would open a path for greater competition. However, reports indicate that Microsoft was required to pay approximately €2000 million in fees as a result of the settlement. CEIPSA confirmed receipt of the funds but declined to disclose details.
