Summary:
- Microsoft cloud services are suspended in Russia as of March 20, 2024, complying with EU sanctions.
- This move impacts various cloud-based services like Microsoft 365 and Azure.
- Google and Amazon are expected to follow suit due to similar sanctions.
Specific Details:
The suspension of Microsoft cloud services in Russia stems from the 12th package of EU sanctions published in December 2023. This package mandated compliance by March 20, 2024, forcing Microsoft to take action.
Russian IT firm Softline reportedly played a crucial role in informing customers. According to a report by Windows Central: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-cloud-services-will-be-blocked-in-russia-and-google-and-amazon-services-are-next, Softline warned customers about the impending suspension and even created a dedicated Telegram channel to facilitate communication and offer assistance during this transition.
The full impact of this suspension on Russian businesses and individuals remains unclear. However, it’s likely to disrupt access to various cloud-based functionalities, potentially affecting email services, data storage solutions, and other critical tools offered by Microsoft 365 and Azure. Businesses heavily reliant on these services might face challenges in maintaining operations.
Notable Quotes:
- Softline (Windows Central): “We have warned customers about the suspension of Microsoft cloud services and created a communication channel to assist them.”
Additional Resources:
- While not directly related to the suspension, these resources offer context on Microsoft’s previous actions in the region:
- Microsoft blog post on suspending sales in Russia: [https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/03/04/microsoft-suspends-russia-sales-ukraine-conflict/]
- Microsoft Community forum discussion on regional limitations for Office 365: [https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/problems-installing-office-365-in-new-region/466efc0f-c947-4fa8-9b8a-e031dee8ac12]
