Microsoft Discontinues License Expansion for Russian Businesses
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Hey there! So, get this – Microsoft just dropped a bombshell on folks in an unexpected way. Word on the street is that they've decided to cut off their services to Russia, and they've sent out a technical support letter to break the news. Seems like they won't be taking payments for their services there as of September 30, 2023. Yep, pretty big move!
Microsoft Corp has made it clear through the letter that after this date, renewals for existing subscriptions won't be an option. And to give folks time to adjust, they've given a 60-day heads up. Just FYI, this news surfaced on the TDaily Telegram channel.
Now, you might've heard before that Microsoft had a bit of a tough time with Russia following the commencement of a special military operation in Ukraine. Back then, they temporarily halted new product sales in Russia. And get this, Russian clients have been without Microsoft's services for a while now. In summer 2022, users in Russia faced restrictions on installing Windows 10 and 11. In April 2023, they even discontinued warranty service for Xbox consoles in Russia.
Wait for it – here's the catch. Even though they didn't officially announce the payment cut-off, Microsoft has already said they won't be renewing licenses for Russian companies from September 30, 2023. This move seems to be part of their wider withdrawal from Russia, which started back in March 2022 when they halted sales in the country following the invasion of Ukraine.
This decision, not renewing licenses, likely goes hand-in-hand with the ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions hitting international business in Russia. You know, many Western companies have been waving goodbye to or scaling down their presence in Russia due to these sanctions and political pressure [1][2][4].
As for the payment part, specifics aren't available just yet. But, the decision to stop license renewals suggests a move towards decreasing or ending active business operations in Russia. It could be a strategic maneuver to comply with sanctions and lessen ties with the country. Stay tuned for more updates!
- The society has noted that Microsoft Corp, in a move following geopolitical tensions and sanctions, will not renew licenses for Russian companies starting from September 30, 2023.
- This means that the finance department of businesses in Russia will no longer be making payments for Microsoft's services from the said date.
- Microsoft's decision to not renew licenses is part of their wider withdrawal from Russia, which started in March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine.
- This move coincides with many other Western companies scaling down or leaving their operations in Russia due to sanctions and political pressure.
