In today’s cloud-centric world, organizations depend heavily on flexible, cost-effective infrastructure to power their operations. Microsoft Office remains one of the most ubiquitous productivity suites globally, and many businesses rely on running Office applications seamlessly within their cloud environments. However, the licensing frameworks that govern how Microsoft software can be used in public clouds are complex and have been a source of frustration for customers and partners alike.
Over the past several years, Microsoft has implemented licensing changes that strongly encourage the use of its own cloud platform, Azure, while imposing additional costs and restrictions on customers who choose to deploy Microsoft software on competing clouds such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Alibaba Cloud. These policies have ignited debates around vendor lock-in, fairness, and competitive practices within the cloud ecosystem.
This article explores the background of Microsoft’s cloud licensing strategy, the implications for organizations using AWS, and the recent, modest concessions Microsoft has made to ease these tensions. The goal is to provide clarity for businesses navigating this challenging terrain and to highlight the strategic options available moving forward.
The 2019 Licensing Shift: Favoring Azure Over Other Clouds
Microsoft’s licensing model took a decisive turn in 2019 when the company revised its bring-your-own-license (BYOL) terms, specifically targeting how its software could be used on “listed providers.” These listed providers are primarily AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud — the three biggest cloud competitors to Azure.
Prior to 2019, customers had relatively broad latitude to deploy Microsoft applications such as Windows Server, Microsoft Office, SQL Server, and other core software on the cloud provider of their choice, provided they complied with volume licensing agreements. The new policy introduced a significant price disparity by requiring higher fees for the use of Microsoft software on these listed providers compared to Azure.
This approach created a de facto financial incentive to choose Azure, as the same workloads could be hosted there at substantially lower licensing costs. For businesses, this often meant making a difficult tradeoff: either pay a premium to remain on their cloud of choice or undergo potentially costly migrations to Azure.
The intent behind the 2019 changes was clearly strategic. Microsoft sought to bolster Azure’s market position by leveraging its licensing policies as a competitive moat. From a business perspective, the move made sense: encourage customers to consolidate workloads on Azure, which integrates more tightly with Microsoft’s broader cloud ecosystem, including Office 365, Dynamics 365, and the Power Platform.
Customer Impact: Unforeseen Costs and Contractual Challenges
Despite the strategic rationale, many customers were caught off guard by the scope and impact of these licensing changes. Most organizations only fully understood the ramifications when renewing their Enterprise Agreements with Microsoft, often years after the policy’s introduction.
At renewal, companies found that costs for running Microsoft software on AWS or Google Cloud could be considerably higher — sometimes by tens of percentage points. For organizations with substantial cloud investments on these platforms, the cost increase was more than a budgeting issue; it disrupted existing IT strategies and cloud adoption roadmaps.
The pricing gap introduced uncertainty around long-term cloud commitments. Some businesses were faced with the difficult choice of absorbing higher fees, renegotiating contracts, or initiating complex migrations to Azure — a process that involves technical challenges, downtime risks, and retraining staff.
In regulated industries or regions with data sovereignty requirements, migrating workloads from AWS or Google to Azure was not always a feasible option. As a result, some organizations felt trapped in an unfavorable licensing environment, with few clear paths to optimize costs.
Legal and Regulatory Responses to Microsoft’s Licensing Policies
The restrictive licensing practices did not go unnoticed by regulators and the legal community. In both the European Union and the United States, concerns were raised about whether Microsoft’s policies constituted anti-competitive behavior or unfair trade practices.
European regulators scrutinized Microsoft’s licensing under competition laws designed to foster fair markets and prevent monopolistic conduct. The central question was whether Microsoft’s pricing model for running software on rival clouds unlawfully restricted customer choice and hindered cloud market competition.
In the U.S., several customers and industry groups lodged complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging the agency to investigate Microsoft’s cloud licensing as part of a broader review of cloud market fairness and security.
Microsoft’s critics argued that by artificially inflating costs for AWS and other listed providers, Microsoft effectively penalized customers for choosing competing platforms — a tactic that could consolidate Azure’s dominance at the expense of market diversity.
Microsoft’s European Cloud Principles: A Partial Response
Facing growing scrutiny and customer pushback, Microsoft introduced the European Cloud Principles in 2022. These principles aimed to offer greater transparency and flexibility for customers wanting to run Microsoft software on certain non-Microsoft clouds.
However, the principles stopped short of fully leveling the playing field. Notably, AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud remained excluded from many of the concessions. Instead, the initiative mainly benefited smaller European cloud providers and public sector organizations seeking more choice.
While a step in the right direction, the European Cloud Principles did not resolve the fundamental licensing disparities that continued to make AWS and Google less attractive options for Microsoft workloads.
The 2023 Licensing Update: A Modest Concession for AWS Users
On August 1, 2023, Microsoft published its monthly licensing update, revealing a modest but notable change: under certain conditions, customers holding specific Microsoft 365 licenses could now run Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, along with Project and Visio, on Amazon WorkSpaces virtual desktop infrastructure.
Eligible licenses include Microsoft 365 E3, E5, A3, A5, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium. This update effectively permits these Microsoft 365 subscribers to access core productivity applications on AWS-hosted virtual desktops without incurring the previously prohibitive licensing penalties.
Analysts have described this as a “very premium” option for running Office on AWS, representing partial relief for customers who have struggled under prior licensing constraints. However, the solution comes with caveats: it requires higher-tier Microsoft 365 licenses and the use of additional virtual desktop access (VDA) licenses, keeping the overall cost premium high.
Remaining Challenges and Strategic Considerations
Despite the new AWS concession, Microsoft continues to offer significantly more favorable licensing terms for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 environments. This maintains the financial advantage of choosing Azure for virtualized Microsoft workloads.
For many organizations, especially those with multi-cloud strategies or long-term investments in AWS, Google Cloud, or Alibaba, these licensing dynamics create ongoing complexity. Customers must weigh the total cost of ownership, potential migration costs, operational flexibility, and regulatory factors when deciding how and where to run Microsoft software.
What Should Customers Do Now?
Industry experts recommend that organizations using Microsoft software on AWS, GCP, or Alibaba maintain rigorous software asset management processes. Understanding current licensing rules, budgeting for anticipated cost increases, and documenting compliance are essential steps.
Furthermore, customers should evaluate whether migrating workloads to Azure aligns with their technical and business needs or whether remaining on their current platforms justifies the higher licensing expense.
For those locked into existing Enterprise Agreements, the window to contest the 2019 licensing changes contractually has largely passed. Going forward, careful planning and engagement with Microsoft or cloud service providers will be crucial to managing costs and ensuring license compliance.
A Complex but Navigable Landscape
Microsoft’s licensing policies for running Office and other software on AWS and other non-Azure clouds have created a challenging environment for many customers. The 2019 policy shift, regulatory scrutiny, and recent concessions illustrate the delicate balance between competitive cloud strategies and customer needs.
While the August 2023 update signals Microsoft’s willingness to provide some relief, it remains clear that Azure holds licensing advantages that customers cannot ignore. Organizations must carefully assess their cloud strategies in light of these realities, balancing cost, compliance, and operational priorities as the cloud market continues to evolve.
The Competitive Cloud Landscape: Azure vs. AWS and Beyond
As cloud computing has matured into a cornerstone of enterprise IT, competition among the major cloud providers has intensified dramatically. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Alibaba Cloud have each carved out significant market shares, driving innovation and expanding service portfolios to capture enterprise workloads.
Microsoft’s extensive software ecosystem, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Office 365, Dynamics 365, and more, offers it a unique advantage. By integrating its cloud platform with its ubiquitous software products, Microsoft creates a compelling value proposition for organizations to adopt Azure.
However, this also fuels tension in the market, particularly as Microsoft leverages its software licensing to tilt the competitive balance. Customers who opt to run Microsoft workloads on AWS or GCP frequently encounter additional licensing fees, discouraging multi-cloud adoption and effectively channeling business toward Azure.
Licensing as a Competitive Lever
Microsoft’s 2019 licensing changes formalized a long-suspected strategy: use software licensing terms as a tool to protect and expand Azure’s market share. By imposing higher costs for running Microsoft software on AWS and other non-Microsoft clouds, Microsoft effectively disincentivizes customers from deploying workloads outside of Azure.
While this approach benefits Microsoft’s bottom line and strategic cloud ambitions, it raises important questions about market fairness and the spirit of competition. Many cloud customers value flexibility and vendor neutrality; forcing them to pay a premium for choosing alternative cloud providers runs counter to those principles.
For AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba, Microsoft’s licensing framework poses a significant barrier to hosting enterprise Microsoft workloads, potentially limiting their ability to compete for business that involves critical Microsoft applications.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Antitrust Concerns
The licensing disparities have not gone unnoticed by regulators worldwide. Both European and American regulatory bodies have opened inquiries into Microsoft’s cloud practices to determine whether these policies violate competition laws or unfairly restrict customer choice.
In Europe, the investigation has focused on whether Microsoft’s licensing creates an unfair competitive advantage that stifles innovation and reduces cloud provider diversity. The European Commission’s broader interest in cloud market openness and interoperability makes this a critical issue for the region’s digital economy.
In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have increasingly scrutinized dominant technology firms for anti-competitive behaviors. Microsoft’s licensing policies form part of a larger examination of how cloud providers manage market power and influence customer decisions.
These regulatory pressures have prompted Microsoft to make incremental concessions, such as the European Cloud Principles and the recent update allowing certain Microsoft 365 licenses on AWS WorkSpaces. However, the fundamental licensing disparities remain, leaving ongoing debate about whether further reform is warranted.
Customer Responses and Strategic Adjustments
Faced with these complex dynamics, customers have adopted a range of strategies to manage Microsoft software licensing and cloud infrastructure choices.
Some organizations have opted to migrate workloads fully to Azure to leverage better licensing terms and more seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and other cloud services. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365, for example, offer licensing advantages and native compatibility that simplify management and reduce costs.
Others have maintained a multi-cloud posture, accepting the premium fees for Microsoft software on AWS, GCP, or Alibaba, due to existing investments, regulatory restrictions, or technical preferences. For these customers, careful software asset management is critical to ensure license compliance and cost control.
Hybrid cloud and on-premises environments further complicate the picture. Microsoft’s licensing often varies depending on where workloads are deployed, creating challenges for organizations balancing legacy infrastructure with modern cloud strategies.
The Role of Software Asset Management (SAM)
In this environment, software asset management (SAM) emerges as an essential discipline. SAM processes help organizations track license entitlements, usage patterns, and compliance risks, enabling proactive management of Microsoft licensing costs.
Effective SAM requires clear visibility into where Microsoft software is deployed — whether on Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or on-premises — and an understanding of the evolving licensing rules. Automated tools and expert consultation can assist in navigating this complexity.
Without diligent SAM, customers risk unexpected audits, fines, or forced contract renegotiations that can disrupt operations and budgets.
Future Outlook: What to Expect from Microsoft and the Cloud Market
Looking ahead, several trends are likely to influence Microsoft’s licensing strategy and the broader cloud ecosystem:
- Increased Regulatory Pressure: Governments and regulators are unlikely to let anti-competitive practices go unchecked, especially as cloud computing becomes critical infrastructure. We may see more rigorous enforcement or mandates requiring greater licensing transparency and fairness.
- Customer Demand for Flexibility: Enterprises increasingly seek multi-cloud and hybrid solutions to avoid lock-in and optimize workloads. Microsoft may need to adjust licensing policies to accommodate these demands without undermining Azure’s growth.
- Evolving Cloud Technologies: Advances in containerization, edge computing, and SaaS delivery models could change how Microsoft software is consumed, potentially simplifying licensing or creating new challenges.
- Competitive Cloud Innovations: AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba will continue innovating and expanding service offerings, increasing pressure on Microsoft to remain competitive not just in software but also in cloud services and pricing.
Practical Advice for Organizations
Given these dynamics, organizations should consider the following steps:
- Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Go beyond sticker price to assess the full cost impact of licensing, migration, and operational factors across cloud platforms.
- Engage with Microsoft and Cloud Providers: Negotiate license agreements actively, seek clarification on policies, and explore opportunities for discounts or bundled offerings.
- Invest in Software Asset Management: Use SAM tools and expertise to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Plan for Flexibility: Architect cloud environments to allow workload portability where feasible, mitigating risks associated with vendor lock-in.
- Monitor Regulatory Developments: Stay informed about legal and policy changes that could affect licensing and cloud strategy.
Microsoft’s licensing policies remain a powerful strategic tool shaping the competitive dynamics of the cloud market. While recent concessions signal some openness to customer concerns, the fundamental pricing disparities between Azure and other cloud platforms persist.
Organizations must navigate this landscape carefully, balancing technical needs, licensing costs, and regulatory considerations to develop cloud strategies that align with business goals.
In this series, we will explore detailed recommendations and best practices for organizations to optimize Microsoft software licensing in multi-cloud environments, helping IT leaders make informed decisions amid ongoing change.
Understanding the Licensing Landscape in Depth
Microsoft’s complex licensing framework requires organizations to gain a deep understanding of the rules that govern how their software can be used in different cloud environments. Licensing terms vary significantly depending on:
- The type of software (e.g., Microsoft 365 Apps, Windows Server, SQL Server)
- The cloud platform hosting the software (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Alibaba)
- The licensing agreements in place (Enterprise Agreements, Cloud Solution Provider, etc.)
- The specific license versions (E3, E5, Business Premium, etc.)
Before making any cloud decisions, IT and procurement teams should thoroughly review Microsoft’s licensing documents and consult with licensing specialists to avoid costly misunderstandings.
Developing a Software Asset Management (SAM) Program
A robust SAM program is essential for managing Microsoft licenses effectively. SAM involves not just tracking software usage but also understanding entitlements, renewal cycles, and compliance risks.
Key elements of a strong SAM program include:
- Inventory Management: Accurate and up-to-date records of all Microsoft software deployed across environments.
- License Reconciliation: Matching deployed software against purchased licenses to identify gaps or surpluses.
- Compliance Monitoring: Regular audits and reviews to ensure usage aligns with Microsoft’s licensing terms.
- Optimization Strategies: Identifying underused licenses, rightsizing subscriptions, and eliminating waste.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Involving legal, finance, IT, and business units to ensure licensing decisions support organizational goals.
Investing in automated SAM tools can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy, reducing risks associated with manual processes.
Considering Migration to Azure
For many organizations, migrating Microsoft workloads to Azure offers clear advantages in terms of licensing cost, integration, and support. Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 provide licensing benefits not available on other clouds, simplifying management and potentially reducing total cost of ownership.
However, migration should not be driven solely by licensing incentives. Organizations need to assess:
- Technical feasibility: Application compatibility, network connectivity, and security.
- Business impact: User experience, operational disruption, and compliance requirements.
- Cost implications: Migration costs, ongoing expenses, and potential savings.
A phased migration plan that includes thorough testing and validation can mitigate risks and ensure smooth transitions.
Multi-Cloud Strategies: Balancing Flexibility and Cost
Many enterprises pursue multi-cloud strategies to leverage best-of-breed services, enhance resilience, and avoid vendor lock-in. While Microsoft’s licensing policies can add complexity to this approach, careful planning can help balance flexibility with cost control.
Recommendations for managing multi-cloud Microsoft licenses include:
- License Segmentation: Assign specific Microsoft licenses to workloads based on cloud platform and usage patterns to optimize cost.
- Use of Hybrid Rights: Leverage hybrid use benefits where applicable to minimize license fees.
- Contract Negotiation: Engage with Microsoft and cloud providers to negotiate terms that support multi-cloud deployments.
- Cross-Cloud Visibility: Implement tools that provide a consolidated view of software usage and licenses across all cloud platforms.
- Governance Policies: Establish policies to manage license allocation and prevent unauthorized or inefficient usage.
Ultimately, the goal is to design an architecture that meets business needs without incurring unnecessary licensing penalties.
Engaging with Microsoft and Partners
Maintaining an open dialogue with Microsoft and its authorized partners can help organizations stay ahead of licensing changes and uncover opportunities for cost savings.
Actions to consider include:
- Regular Licensing Reviews: Schedule periodic sessions with Microsoft representatives to review current usage and license entitlements.
- Training and Awareness: Equip IT staff and procurement teams with up-to-date knowledge on licensing policies.
- Partner Support: Utilize Microsoft partners’ expertise in licensing and cloud strategy to navigate complex scenarios.
- Early Adoption: Monitor announcements for new licensing programs or concessions that may benefit your organization.
Proactive engagement can reduce surprises and empower organizations to optimize their Microsoft investments.
Preparing for Audits and Compliance Checks
Microsoft and third-party auditors may conduct license audits, especially for organizations with large or complex deployments. Being prepared can save significant time and expense.
Best practices include:
- Keeping detailed records of license purchases, deployments, and usage.
- Documenting compliance processes and decisions.
- Responding promptly and transparently to audit requests.
- Consulting legal or compliance experts when needed.
A well-prepared organization is better positioned to negotiate audit outcomes and avoid penalties.
Monitoring Regulatory and Market Developments
Microsoft licensing and cloud market conditions continue to evolve under the influence of regulatory scrutiny, technological innovation, and competitive pressures.
Organizations should:
- Subscribe to updates from regulatory bodies such as the FTC and European Commission.
- Follow industry news and analyst reports on cloud and software licensing.
- Participate in industry forums and user groups to share knowledge and best practices.
- Prepare to adapt licensing strategies as policies and market offerings change.
Staying informed enables timely adjustments and strategic advantage.
The Growing Importance of Cloud Cost Management
Beyond licensing, cloud cost management is critical to maximizing IT budgets. Microsoft licenses represent a substantial portion of cloud expenditures, but they are one part of a broader cost landscape including compute, storage, networking, and support.
Integrated cloud cost management platforms can help organizations:
- Track and analyze cloud spending in real time.
- Identify anomalies or inefficiencies.
- Model costs under different licensing and cloud deployment scenarios.
- Allocate costs accurately to business units.
By aligning license management with overall cloud financial management, organizations can achieve better visibility and control.
Case Study: Navigating Microsoft Licensing in a Multi-Cloud Environment
Consider a multinational company that maintains applications across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Their Microsoft licenses include Microsoft 365 E3 for most users, with some departments requiring E5 for advanced security features.
By implementing a SAM program and deploying cloud cost management tools, the company identified significant overspending on AWS due to higher licensing fees for Microsoft software. After analysis, they chose to migrate critical Microsoft workloads to Azure Virtual Desktop, where licensing was more favorable, while keeping non-Microsoft workloads on other clouds.
They negotiated new Enterprise Agreements with Microsoft that included multi-cloud provisions, and established internal governance policies to manage license allocation. This strategic approach resulted in a 15% reduction in overall Microsoft licensing costs and improved compliance posture.
Microsoft’s licensing policies significantly shape how enterprises adopt and manage cloud environments. While challenges exist, organizations equipped with the right knowledge, processes, and tools can successfully navigate this landscape.
By investing in software asset management, engaging proactively with Microsoft, and aligning licensing strategies with cloud deployment goals, enterprises can optimize costs, maintain compliance, and leverage the full benefits of their Microsoft investments.
The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Microsoft Licensing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how organizations consume cloud services, and Microsoft is at the forefront with its integration of AI capabilities into Azure and Microsoft 365. This evolution will influence licensing models in several ways.
Microsoft’s AI-powered services—such as Copilot embedded in Microsoft 365 apps, Azure AI tools, and conversational AI platforms—often come with separate licensing or usage-based billing. As AI workloads grow, organizations will need to carefully evaluate how these new offerings fit into their existing licenses or whether additional subscriptions or service agreements are necessary.
The transition from traditional software licensing to consumption-based models tied to AI workloads will require IT teams to rethink budgeting and software asset management. Transparency around AI service costs, combined with flexible licensing options, will be key to adoption without unexpected expenses.
The Shift Toward Subscription and Consumption-Based Licensing
Microsoft has gradually moved from perpetual licenses to subscription-based models like Microsoft 365 and Azure subscriptions. This shift aligns with broader cloud trends, emphasizing flexibility and scalability.
Going forward, consumption-based licensing—paying based on actual usage rather than fixed seats or cores—may become more prevalent. For example, Azure’s serverless compute and pay-per-use AI services demonstrate this model.
While subscription and consumption models offer agility, they also introduce challenges in forecasting and controlling costs. Organizations must adopt sophisticated financial governance frameworks to monitor consumption patterns and optimize spend.
Hybrid and Edge Computing: Licensing Challenges and Opportunities
Hybrid cloud environments—combining on-premises infrastructure with public cloud—are increasingly common. Edge computing, which processes data closer to its source (e.g., IoT devices, remote offices), adds further complexity.
Microsoft offers hybrid solutions like Azure Arc and Azure Stack to support these models. However, licensing in hybrid and edge scenarios can be intricate, as different rules may apply depending on deployment location and connectivity.
Enterprises will need to stay current on licensing guidance for hybrid and edge deployments to avoid compliance risks and take advantage of hybrid use benefits where available.
Increased Emphasis on Environmental and Sustainability Factors
Sustainability is becoming a critical factor in IT strategy. Cloud providers, including Microsoft, emphasize their commitment to carbon neutrality and energy efficiency.
In the future, licensing and cloud consumption decisions may incorporate sustainability metrics. Microsoft might introduce incentives for customers adopting energy-efficient architectures or penalize wasteful usage through pricing adjustments.
This emerging trend will require organizations to consider environmental impact alongside cost and performance in their licensing and cloud strategies.
Growing Importance of Interoperability and Open Standards
As organizations adopt multi-cloud and hybrid environments, interoperability between platforms becomes essential. Licensing models that hinder workload mobility or integration create friction.
Microsoft is increasingly participating in open standards initiatives and collaborating with other cloud providers. Licensing policies that promote interoperability and reduce vendor lock-in will gain favor among customers.
Future licensing frameworks may incorporate more flexible terms that facilitate workload portability and data exchange across clouds.
Potential for Regulatory Changes and Policy Evolution
Regulators worldwide are closely watching cloud computing markets to ensure fair competition, data privacy, and security. Legislative developments could mandate changes in licensing practices.
For example, laws requiring clearer license terms, prohibiting anti-competitive pricing, or enforcing portability rights could reshape Microsoft’s licensing landscape.
Organizations should monitor regulatory trends and be prepared to adapt licensing strategies accordingly.
The Role of Automation and AI in Licensing Management
Managing Microsoft licenses manually is becoming increasingly impractical due to complexity and scale. AI-driven automation tools are emerging to assist with license tracking, usage analysis, compliance checks, and cost optimization.
These intelligent tools can provide predictive insights, detect anomalies, and recommend optimizations, reducing risk and improving efficiency.
Investing in automated license management solutions will become a best practice for organizations handling large Microsoft deployments.
Preparing for the Future: Strategic Recommendations
To navigate this evolving environment, organizations should consider:
- Building agility into license procurement: Opt for flexible contracts that accommodate changes in workloads, usage patterns, and new service introductions.
- Enhancing cross-team collaboration: Align IT, procurement, finance, and compliance teams to respond effectively to licensing and cloud changes.
- Investing in continuous learning: Keep teams updated on Microsoft licensing updates, cloud innovations, and regulatory developments.
- Exploring new licensing models proactively: Engage with Microsoft to pilot or adopt emerging subscription or consumption-based licenses that match business needs.
- Prioritizing cloud governance and sustainability: Incorporate cost control and environmental impact metrics into cloud and licensing decisions.
- Leveraging AI and automation: Adopt advanced tools to streamline license management and gain actionable insights.
Conclusion
The intersection of Microsoft licensing and cloud strategy is rapidly evolving amid technological innovation, regulatory attention, and shifting business priorities. Organizations that stay informed, agile, and proactive will be best positioned to optimize their Microsoft software investments and cloud architectures.
By understanding emerging trends—such as AI integration, subscription models, hybrid deployments, sustainability considerations, and regulatory shifts—enterprises can future-proof their licensing approaches and harness the full potential of the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.