Microsoft turns into newest tech agency to droop gross sales in Russia
Microsoft, saying it is “horrified, angered and saddened” by the assault on Ukraine, has joined different tech product and providers distributors in suspending gross sales in Russia. Google, nonetheless, will proceed to supply some providers inside Russia.
Marco Verch
(CC BY 2.0)
The tech exodus from Russia ramped up at this time, as Microsoft halted all new product and providers gross sales contained in the nation due to the invasion of Ukraine. Apple did a lot the identical factor earlier within the week.
“Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angered and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia,” Microsoft President Brad Smith stated in a weblog publish.
Microsoft is simply the most recent in a line of Western firms to droop gross sales in protest of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nike and Dell Technologies have suspended gross sales inside Russia, as have SAP and Oracle. On Tuesday, Apple confirmed it had stopped promoting its merchandise in Russia. On Apple’s Russia retailer, all merchandise are listed as “unavailable” for buy or supply within the nation.
“We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence,” Apple stated in a press release Tuesday. “We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region.”
Alphabet’s Google, nonetheless, stated it’ll proceed to supply its search engine and different providers in Russia, although Google Pay could turn into unavailable in sure “countries, regions and institutions” as sanctions are imposed. “Most of our services (like Search, Maps and YouTube) currently remain available in Russia, continuing to provide access to global information and perspectives,” Google stated in a weblog publish.
Google, did nonetheless, block cell apps linked to Russian broadcasters RT and Sputnik, and has ceased advert gross sales in Russia. Microsoft additionally stated it might take away Russian state-owned media outlet RT’s cell apps from the Windows App retailer and ban ads on Russian state-sponsored media.
Also on Friday, Russia’s Federal communications oversite company (roskomnadzor) introduced it might block Facebook contained in the nation. The social media blackout is as an try to squelch dissenting views on social media, in response to one US regulator.
Russia framed the social media restriction as a retaliatory motion primarily based on “26 cases of discrimination against Russian media” by Facebook.
Other firms which have stopped gross sales or providers in Russia embrace Dell Technologies, Ford and Ericsson. And transport firms A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and Mediterranean Shipping Co. stated they might droop all shipments to Russian ports except for meals.