Public procurement needs a route out of Microsoft lock-in

The CMA has released guidance for public sector procurement in the UK, emphasizing the risks associated with relying too heavily on Microsoft's cloud services. With the government spending £400 billion annually on public sector procurement, the CMA believes it should take action soon, before February 2027. Sarah Cardell, the CMA's Chief Executive, discussed two reports at a Parliamentary event, highlighting the importance of leveraging public procurement for market shaping and improving outcomes for citizens, businesses, and taxpayers.

The CMA's investigation into the cloud market found that Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominate the market, with Microsoft holding 30-40% market share and growing. This dominance is due to barriers to entry such as data-center costs, economies of scale, and incumbent product breadth. Fewer than 1% of customers switch cloud providers annually due to egress fees and technical friction, and Microsoft withholds certain licensed products from AWS and Google, weakening their rivals.

The CMA argues that prioritizing short-term cost savings over long-term value and competition can lead to significant risks. In the context of cloud computing, buying Microsoft is the easiest option due to its integration into most public-sector IT estates, but this approach may not provide the best value in the long run. The CMA stresses that a market imbalance exists, with Microsoft holding a significant share of the market and preventing competition.

The CMA's cloud market investigation revealed that fewer than 1% of customers switch cloud providers annually, mainly due to egress fees and technical friction. Moreover, Microsoft withholds licensed products from AWS and Google, further limiting competition. The CMA's investigation also found that Microsoft's market position poses a threat to competitive procurement in public-sector AI, as it controls the infrastructure that AI rollouts are built upon.

The CMA's guidance aims to address both the value for taxpayers and society and the risks posed by Microsoft's market position. This roadmap would provide public bodies with clearer guidance on procuring cloud and AI services, as well as outline how the CMA plans to tackle the underlying lock-in that can limit competition and choice. A more competitive and open cloud market would benefit businesses, public bodies, and taxpayers alike.