Microsoft Teams Separated from Office Globally
- Microsoft Teams announced that it will globally separate its Teams business messaging and video app from its Office software.
- This decision comes after the firm previously split the two products in Europe last year amid potential penalties from competition regulators.
- Teams was integrated into Office back in 2017, but the move drew scrutiny from the European Commission following a complaint by rival Slack in 2020.
The separation aims to provide clarity for customers and address feedback from the European Commission. It also aims to offer multinational companies greater flexibility in standardizing their purchasing practices across different regions.
Microsoft detailed in a blog post that Teams Standalone will be available for $5.25 (£4.20) for new customers.
It remains uncertain whether Microsoft's decision to separate Teams from Office will be sufficient to avoid antitrust charges from the European Union (EU).
In the last ten years, Microsoft has accumulated €2.2 billion ($2.4 billion; £1.9 billion) in fines from EU antitrust regulations for bundling multiple products together.
If Microsoft is found guilty of violating antitrust laws, it could face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
Microsoft splits Teams and Office globally https://t.co/7lKAMbjSwd
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 2, 2024
Source: Twitter/BBC World
Back in 1998, the US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing the company of leveraging its dominance in the Windows platform to suppress competition from other web browsers.
Since then, Microsoft has relaxed its control over the software that computer manufacturers can install on their devices, leading to the rise in popularity of alternative internet browsers.
Following the separation of Teams from Microsoft 365 and Office Suites in Europe last October, the platform's user base experienced minimal changes, as reported by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
According to data from Reuters, the number of monthly active users of the Microsoft Teams mobile app remained relatively stable in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous quarter.
About Microsoft
Over the past decade, Microsoft has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its position as a tech giant. From innovative product launches to strategic acquisitions, the company has expanded its reach across various sectors.
Microsoft's cloud computing division, Azure, has seen exponential growth, rivaling industry leaders like Amazon Web Services. Additionally, the success of Microsoft Teams has transformed the landscape of business communication and collaboration.
The company's focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to breakthroughs in technology, further enhancing its offerings. With a strong commitment to innovation and a diverse portfolio of products and services, Microsoft continues to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry.
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