Microsoft just ramped up its cloud rivalry with Google by accusing it of 'shadow campaigns'

Core Points - Microsoft has accused Google of conducting "shadow campaigns" to undermine its business and influence cloud regulation in Europe, marking an escalation in their rivalry [2][6] - Microsoft claims that Google has formed a lobby group, the Open Cloud Coalition, to manipulate the regulatory landscape in favor of its own cloud services [3][4] Group 1: Accusations and Responses - Microsoft's deputy general counsel, Rima Alaily, stated that the Open Cloud Coalition is designed to discredit Microsoft with competition authorities and mislead the public [4][8] - A Google spokesperson responded that the company has been transparent about its concerns regarding Microsoft's cloud licensing practices [5][6] - Nicky Stewart, a senior advisor to the Open Cloud Coalition, emphasized that the group is pro-market and advocates for openness and interoperability in cloud services [6][5] Group 2: Market Context - In Q2 2024, Google Cloud generated $10.35 billion in revenue, while Microsoft's Azure reported $28.5 billion in revenue [7] - For the year 2023, Google Cloud's sales were $33.7 billion compared to Microsoft's Intelligent Cloud group, which reported $96.8 billion in sales [8] - Amazon Web Services remains the leading provider by market share in the cloud industry [8]