Following the stink raised by competing collaboration instrument Slack to the European Union in 2020, Microsoft has agreed to cease mechanically bundling Groups with its workplace software program.

Per the Monetary Instances (opens in new tab) (paywall), the transfer is an try to flee what could be the corporate’s first antitrust investigation in over a decade.

Nonetheless, Slack, now owned by CRM software program supplier Salesforce, is pushing for even additional motion, and a ruling that Microsoft Groups and Workplace have to be offered individually.

Microsoft vs the EU

Collaboration and video conferencing software program has turn into a persistently profitable enterprise because the begin of the Covid-19 pandemic. Whereas names equivalent to Groups, Slack and Zoom have been round for a while earlier than, it’s solely now that they’ve arguably turn into family names.

It’s not shocking then that Slack feels prefer it’s lacking its share of the pie, however this already protracted authorized battle with the EU’s govt arm, the European Fee (EC), is about to proceed, with a press release from Microsoft despatched to the FT claiming that talks are nonetheless in progress.

“We’re conscious of our tasks within the EU as a significant expertise firm,” stated a consultant for the tech large. “We proceed to interact cooperatively with the fee in its investigation and are open to pragmatic options that handle its issues and serve clients effectively.”

Microsoft has seen hassle like this earlier than when, in 2008, it bundled its Web Explorer browser with Home windows. Underneath scrutiny, it started providing a alternative of browsers to customers, however was fined €561 million by the EU for going again on its phrase. So, historical past could be about to repeat itself.

• Right here’s our listing of the very best Microsoft Groups alternate options proper now

By way of The Verge (opens in new tab)