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Microsoft splits Teams and Office licenses

Microsoft has confirmed it is splitting licenses for Microsoft 365, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams globally.

Microsoft split the way Microsoft 365, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams were licensed in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland last year. This update means that the approach is being extended worldwide.

In a company blogpost, the vendor said the changes were designed to make its licensing “globally consistent” to provider “clarity for customers and streamline decision making and negotiations”.

Mariko Oi, a BBC business reporter, said Microsoft separated the two products in Europe to avoid a potential fine from competition watchdogs.

She added it is “unclear whether the company's decision to split Teams from Office will be enough to avoid European Union antitrust charges”.