Microsoft pulls the plug on 'new' sales of products and services in Russia

[Uncle Joe]

In a blog post published Friday morning, Microsoft president Brad Smith confirmed the company “will suspend all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia.”

It didn’t go into further detail about what that looks like or specify what meaningful financial impact the move will have on its businesses, as CD Projekt Red did yesterday while announcing a ban on services to Russia and Belarus. In response to a request for more information by The Verge, a spokesperson said the company had nothing more to share at this time.

Microsoft is only the latest tech company to announce a stop in some of its services to Russia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the fighting started, many politicians worldwide have called for bans targeting Russia’s economy and ability to connect to the world, in addition to sanctions on Russian banks and state-operated media outlets.

Microsoft’s announcement targets new sales specifically, leaving existing service contracts unmentioned. The company didn’t go into the reasons behind its decision, but Microsoft’s recent focus on cloud services and support services means that cutting off existing contracts would be particularly devastating for both organizations and individuals using Windows, Office, Microsoft 365, Azure, and even Xbox products in Russia.

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https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/4/22961445/microsoft-russia-ukraine-sales-ban-xbox-azure-windows-office