Editing Microsoft Corporation (section)

=== Competitive Positioning and Market Outlook   ===
By the end of 2021, Microsoft’s competitive advantages were clear:  
* '''Cloud Computing''': Azure captured a 21% global market share in Q4 2021, solidifying its position as the second-largest cloud provider behind AWS<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crn.com/news/cloud/2024/cloud-market-share-q4-2023-results-aws-falls-as-microsoft-grows |quote=Microsoft's global cloud market share was 21% in Q4 2021, with AWS and Google Cloud as key competitors. }}</ref>.  
* '''Enterprise Software''': Office 365 remained a cornerstone, though it faced stiff competition from Google Workspace<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/1710782/office-2021-vs-microsoft-365-office-365-how-to-choose.html |quote=Microsoft Office 365 is the most common productivity tool for enterprise users, offering a secure and cost-effective solution. }}</ref>.  
* '''Financial Health''': With $130 billion in cash reserves, Microsoft was well-positioned for strategic acquisitions and investments<ref>{{cite web |url=https://strategicmanagementinsight.com/swot-analyses/microsoft-swot-analysis/ |quote=Microsoft's revenue grew by 15% in 2021, with $130 billion in cash reserves for acquisitions and R&D investments. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://strategicmanagementinsight.com/swot-analyses/microsoft-swot-analysis/ |quote=Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance Communications in 2021 was a strategic move to enhance its AI and cloud capabilities. }}</ref>.  

However, the company faced intense competition from AWS and Google Cloud, as well as regulatory pressures, including antitrust investigations in the EU and the UK<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-CMA-anti-trust-investigation-into-AWS-and-Microsoft-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know |quote=Microsoft faced antitrust investigations in the EU and the UK, focusing on its cloud practices and market dominance. }}</ref>.