Established as key element of Microsoft Settlement, ECCO will scrutinise Unfair Software Licensing Practices across European Cloud Sector
Brussels, 20th November 2024. CISPE today announces the launch of the European Cloud Competition Observatory (ECCO), created as part of its anti-competition settlement with Microsoft. ECCO, an independent monitoring body first discussed with Vice President Vestager, will focus on Microsoft’s adherence to the July 2024 commitments, while monitoring licensing practices impacting both cloud providers and customers.
Though managed by CISPE, ECCO operates under an independent governance structure. European customer organizations, such as Cigref in France and Beltug in Belgium, will act as observers, ensuring customer perspectives are reflected in ECCO’s reports. Technical experts will contribute specialized insights as needed. Microsoft will be part of ECCO.
ECCO’s initial task is to assess Microsoft’s progress on software commitments outlined in the settlement. CISPE members are conducting extensive trials, with a technical summit scheduled for December in Redmond, USA. ECCO will release its first progress report post-summit, with follow-ups planned for February and April, ahead of Microsoft’s final software release.
Guided by CISPE and European customer organizations, ECCO will also monitor other software giants, including Broadcom/VMware, whose practices restrict cloud choices for European customers. All ECCO reports will be publicly accessible via the CISPE website.
Henri d’Agrain, General Delegate of Cigref, stated, “ECCO aligns with our commitment to fair software licensing and amplifies the voice of European customers.” Danielle Jacobs, CEO of Beltug, added, “Unfair licensing practices limit choice and increase costs for cloud customers. ECCO’s work is essential to help deliver a fair cloud software licensing environment in Europe.”
Francisco Mingorance, CISPE Secretary General, said, “We appreciate Vice President Vestager’s role in establishing ECCO as part of our settlement with Microsoft. ECCO will serve as a watchdog over any software vendors using unfair practices to disrupt the European cloud market, with Broadcom under our current scrutiny.”
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For Further information contact:
Ben Maynard, director of communications, CISPE
+44 (0)7968 537982