Businesses may soon incur additional costs for their video conferencing platform if Microsoft's new proposals are approved.
Microsoft has proposed charging users with Office subscriptions an additional fee to use Microsoft Teams. This proposal is part of the company's efforts to avoid the latest major antitrust case in Europe.
If approved, this proposal could result in increased costs for Office subscribers who use Microsoft Teams to communicate with colleagues, clients, or customers.
Microsoft Teams and Office
Microsoft is currently facing a European Union (EU) investigation following complaints that Teams dominates the instant messaging market due to its bundling with the widely used Office software suite.
The complaint was initially raised by Slack, a major competitor owned by Salesforce. In 2020, Slack filed a complaint alleging that Teams had an unfair advantage due to its bundling with Office.
However, the EU has stated that it has received complaints from other companies as well, although it has not disclosed their names. A spokesperson for the EU stated, "We have received several complaints regarding Microsoft, including by Slack, regarding Microsoft's conduct in relation to its Teams product. As the assessment is ongoing, we cannot comment further."
In a statement to Reuters, Microsoft said that it is continuing to engage cooperatively with the Commission and is "open to pragmatic solutions that address its concerns and serve customers well."
Microsoft's proposal to charge separately for Teams follows a separate suggestion made last month to stop bundling Teams with its office software. This proposal, Microsoft claims, could also help encourage competition.
Should You Pay Extra for Microsoft Teams?
Chief Information Officers, Small business and other professionals may soon need to consider whether it is worth paying extra for Microsoft Teams when planning their IT budget.
For companies that are already established on Microsoft 365, Office, and Teams, maintaining the status quo may seem like the logical choice. Microsoft is continually updating and improving Teams to provide additional functionality and productivity, ensuring that it remains a useful and intuitive tool for users.
However, in light of global financial instability, many companies are closely monitoring their budgets. Unplanned expenses, such as a separate subscription for Microsoft Teams, may be among the first to be cut. There are numerous alternatives available, including some free services, for companies willing to consider other options.
Given Microsoft Office's widespread use in the business world, it may be a case of sticking with the familiar and paying the additional cost for Teams.
Comments