Microsoft offers a cheaper price to firms running Windows Server on Azure than on direct competitors like AWS, Google’s cloud or Alibaba Cloud. The lawsuit argues firms running the widely-used server software are essentially being overcharged to use alternative cloud computing solutions. It adds Microsoft leverages its dominant market position in cloud-based server operating systems by extracting higher prices and inducing customers into moving to Azure. Claimant Maria Luisa Stasi, a competition lawyer, is seeking more than £1 billion in compensation for firms affected. Microsoft declined to comment on the lawsuit. AI drives cloud resurgence in techwatch now VIDEO02:56 AI drives cloud resurgence in tech “Put simply, Microsoft is punishing UK businesses and organisations for using Google, Amazon and Alibaba for cloud computing by forcing them to pay more money for Windows Server,” Stasi, who is head of law and policy for digital rights advocacy group Article19, said in a statement shared with CNBC. “By doing so, Microsoft is trying to force customers into using its cloud computing service Azure and restricting competition in the sector.”