UK proposes 'strategic market status' for Microsoft; final decision set for February

[Photo Of Big Ben And Westminster Bridge In London England] Following months of investigation, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has proposed to designate Microsoft (MSFT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MSFT]) with "strategic market status" regarding its business software ecosystem. "SMS designation does not find or assume wrongdoing," the decision [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-decision-sms-investigation-into-microsofts-business-software-ecosystem] reads. "Instead, it is the gateway into the UK's digital markets competition regime. It enables the CMA to take action aimed at promoting competition in technology sectors that are key to UK consumers, businesses and the economy.