Microsoft unbundles Teams from Office to avoid EU antitrust fine

Microsoft is making changes to its Office product to address concerns raised by the European Commission. 

Last week, the company announced that it would separate its chat and video app, Teams, from Office and make it easier for rival products to work with its software. 

However, competitors argue that more needs to be done to avoid a potential EU antitrust fine. These changes come after an investigation was launched by the European Commission in response to a complaint from competing app Slack, owned by Salesforce.

Microsoft's moves are similar to previous concessions that failed to satisfy regulators. Unless the company improves its offer, it could face formal charges. Teams, which was added to Office 365 in 2017 and gained popularity during the pandemic, will now be available separately from Office. 

The changes will be effective from Oct. 1 in the EU and Switzerland. Microsoft hopes these changes will address concerns while the investigation continues.

- CyberBeat