The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is reportedly preparing to investigate possible anti-competitive practices in Microsoft's cloud computing sector.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the probe will examine claims that Microsoft may be using its dominant position in productivity software to unfairly prevent customers from moving their data to competing cloud services.

Central issues involve allegations of Microsoft enforcing harsh licensing conditions, imposing significant exit fees, and implementing substantial price increases for customers opting to leave its Azure cloud service.

There are also concerns about compatibility issues, including claims that Microsoft's Office 365 suite might not work as effectively with competitor cloud platforms. The Financial Times was the first to report on the upcoming investigation.

Currently, the FTC has not released any statements, and Microsoft has not yet responded to inquiries about the issue.