Ofcom Study Reveals Barriers for UK Businesses Switching Providers

  • Ofcom refers public cloud infrastructure services market to CMA for investigation
  • Amazon and Microsoft dominate UK cloud services market with 70-80% share
  • UK businesses face challenges in switching or using multiple cloud suppliers
  • CMA to scrutinize the £7.5bn market’s competition concerns

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will investigate the public cloud infrastructure services market following an Ofcom study that identified challenges faced by UK businesses in switching between cloud suppliers. Amazon Web Services and Microsoft hold a combined market share of 70-80%, with Google at 5-10%. The CMA will determine if competition is working effectively to prevent market power from concentrating in the hands of a few players, ensuring maximum benefits for consumers and businesses.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Ofcom’s investigation into the public cloud infrastructure services market, mentioning key players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, as well as the potential competition concerns. It also explains the purpose of the referral to the CMA and the importance of effective competition in this market for businesses and the UK economy.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the referral of the public cloud infrastructure services market to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for further investigation by Ofcom. It highlights concerns regarding the dominance of Amazon and Microsoft in the UK market and the potential impact on competition and innovation. The article also mentions the importance of effective competition in the digital economy and the estimated value of the cloud services market. However, it could provide more detailed analysis or insights into the specific issues faced by businesses and potential solutions to address them.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK cloud infrastructure services market, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the investigation of the UK cloud infrastructure services market by Ofcom and its potential impact on competition between major providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. This has financial relevance as it involves a significant market worth up to £7.5bn and could affect the business strategies and stock prices of these companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk