News Summary

Microsoft is currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its software bundling practices. Reports indicate that the FTC is particularly focused on Microsoft’s bundling of its Office products with cloud computing and cybersecurity services. The investigation has been spurred by concerns raised by Microsoft’s competitors, who argue that such bundling makes it difficult for them to compete in the market. The probe is said to have intensified following previous reports that Microsoft leveraged a cybersecurity crisis to expand its sales with the U.S. government. The company’s actions reportedly included offering to upgrade government software bundles to more expensive versions that included advanced cybersecurity products, thereby securing lucrative federal contracts. Critics argue that these practices echo Microsoft’s antitrust issues from 1998, when the company was accused of stifling competition by bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system.