Microsoft is shaking up its business strategy by decoupling Teams from its Office 365 suite, a move likely aimed at addressing ongoing antitrust scrutiny, particularly in the European Union. The decision, initially implemented in the EU last year, is now being extended globally, according to reports from Reuters. This change is intended to provide clarity to customers, says Microsoft spokesperson Robin Koch.

Under the new arrangement, existing customers can maintain their current bundled deals, which include Teams alongside Office and other services. However, new subscribers will have the option to purchase Teams separately, with pricing starting at $5.25 for the Enterprise version. Office packages without Teams will range from $7.75 to $54.75.

The move follows a pattern of response to antitrust concerns. Microsoft initially separated Teams in the EU after facing an investigation into potential competition violations initiated by the European Commission in 2020. Slack had lodged a complaint, citing anticompetitive behavior amidst Teams’ surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this adjustment, Microsoft remains under regulatory scrutiny, and there is a possibility of further charges from the EU. The stakes are high for the tech giant, as potential antitrust fines could reach up to 10 percent of its global annual turnover. The timing of this decision coincides with recent antitrust actions, such as the US Justice Department’s lawsuit against Apple, highlighting the broader regulatory landscape shaping the tech industry.

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