Google-backed report hits Microsoft dominance

The big picture: Microsoft's huge share of the office productivity suite market isn't new. What's new is that it has a well-heeled and sizable competitor in Google.

Yes, but: The report, from market research firm Omdia, notes that Microsoft's dominance extends beyond Office, with the company using that stronghold to gain ground with emerging products, including its Azure cloud and Microsoft Teams communications software.

• "This has the effect of stymieing diversity in ancillary markets reinforcing 'monoculture' decisions across government," the report said.

Of note: Google is defending several antitrust lawsuits by the Justice Department and states. Microsoft has largely avoided regulatory action after surviving its own legal showdown over monopoly charges nearly two decades ago.