Amazon and Google criticize Microsoft's changes to cloud computing

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) subsidiary Google slammed Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) modifications to cloud computing on Tuesday, arguing that they inhibit competition and prohibit users from switching to alternative cloud service providers.

On Monday, the U.S. software giant announced new licensing agreements and other changes that will make it easier for cloud service providers to compete beginning October 1.

The arrangements will exclude cloud services from Amazon, Google, Alibaba (NYSE:BABA), and Microsoft.

Microsoft's decision was prompted by complaints from smaller European Union competitors to EU antitrust officials regarding the company's cloud service tactics. Then, EU antitrust regulators questioned market players regarding the matter and its implications.

Amazon, the largest provider of cloud services, was highly critical of Microsoft and Google.

An AWS official remarked in an email, "Rather than listening to its customers and restoring fair software licensing in the cloud for everyone, Microsoft is now doubling down on the same unethical practices by putting even more constraints in an unfair attempt to limit the competition it faces."

Vice president of government affairs and policy for Google Cloud, Marcus Jadotte, was similarly hostile.

He tweeted, "The promise of the cloud is computing that is both flexible and elastic, with no contractual restrictions."

"Customers should be permitted to freely switch between platforms and select the technology that works best for them," added Jacquett.