THE EUROPEAN CLOUD COMPETITION OBSERVATORY (ECCO)

The European Cloud Competition Observatory (ECCO) is an independent body established as part of a settlement between CISPE and Microsoft. Its primary role is to scrutinise software licensing practices in the European cloud sector, focusing both on Microsoft’s compliance with its July 2024 commitments to fair software licensing, as well as other software vendors’ restrictive practices deemed of particular relevance for the sector.

Managed by CISPE but governed independently, ECCO involves European customer organizations like Cigref and Beltug as observers, ensuring customer perspectives are included. Technical experts contribute as needed, and Microsoft participates in the initiative.

The first reports of ECCO were published in February 2025. The second reports are expected to be published in early April.