
Microsoft laying off several thousand employees - Tech
"We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email.
The cloud computing tech giant did not disclose the total amount of lost jobs but as of June 2024 it employed 228,000 people, bringing the latest layoffs to about 9,000 people.
The job cuts follow a round in May that saw about 6,000 positions culled from its global workforce.
The company, which is advancing in its plans to deploy AI across all its products, said it was working to "empower employees to spend more time focusing on meaningful work by leveraging new technologies and capabilities."
"Even in the best of times, we have regularly adjusted our workforce to meet the strategic demands of the business," the company added.
Microsoft, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, was one of the first tech giants to double down on artificial intelligence when the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 rocked the tech industry.
Follow us on:
Short link:

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al-Ahram Weekly
11 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Microsoft laying off several thousand employees - Tech
Microsoft on Wednesday said it was slashing a little less than four percent of its global workforce as it seeks to cut layers of middle management and leverage new technologies. "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email. The cloud computing tech giant did not disclose the total amount of lost jobs but as of June 2024 it employed 228,000 people, bringing the latest layoffs to about 9,000 people. The job cuts follow a round in May that saw about 6,000 positions culled from its global workforce. The company, which is advancing in its plans to deploy AI across all its products, said it was working to "empower employees to spend more time focusing on meaningful work by leveraging new technologies and capabilities." "Even in the best of times, we have regularly adjusted our workforce to meet the strategic demands of the business," the company added. Microsoft, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, was one of the first tech giants to double down on artificial intelligence when the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 rocked the tech industry. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Silver Pound Replaces Gold as Preferred Gift in Egypt Amid Surging Prices
Waleed Farouk The Egyptian market has recently witnessed a notable shift in gifting and investment patterns, as the silver pound is rapidly gaining popularity as an attractive alternative to gold—especially in the context of social occasions and celebrations. This trend has been fueled by the record-breaking rise in gold prices, which saw the price of a gold pound surpass EGP 37,000 in local markets. As a result, a significant segment of consumers has turned away from gold in search of more affordable alternatives, opening the door for the silver pound to shine. Skyrocketing Gold Prices Reshape Consumer Priorities With ongoing global and local inflationary pressures, the price of a gold pound (weighing 8 grams of 21-karat gold) has reached unprecedented levels, putting it beyond the financial reach of many individuals who would traditionally offer it as a gift for engagements, graduations, or newborn celebrations. According to several gold traders, consumers are now seeking alternatives that are both meaningful in sentiment and economical in cost, a gap that silver in general—and the silver pound in particular—has successfully filled. Silver Makes a Comeback — Silver Pound Tops Gift Choices Sales of silver pounds have surged significantly in the first half of 2025, buoyed by silver's affordability relative to gold, as well as appealing new designs and its strong symbolic connection to Egyptian heritage. The current price of a 925-silver pound is around EGP 650, making it widely accessible across income levels—unlike the gold pound, which has seen its price jump by over 300% in just two years. A New Commercial Role Emerges According to traders in Cairo and Alexandria, demand for silver pounds has expanded beyond individual buyers to include small and medium enterprises. Many now use silver pounds as commemorative gifts for employees and clients at year-end or during special occasions. In addition, many families have started to include the silver pound as part of symbolic engagement offerings, reflecting the economic realities that have prompted a reevaluation of spending priorities. This shift began gaining traction last year when local Facebook pages launched grassroots campaigns promoting silver over gold with slogans like 'Gold isn't proof of love,' 'Silver is a blessing,' and 'You don't need gold to get married.' 'Symbolic Value at an Affordable Price' Some factories have already begun producing special editions of the silver pound bearing national symbols or themed designs for events such as Mother's Day and graduation ceremonies, further boosting demand. Outlook: Sustained Demand Expected Market analysts expect this trend to continue through the second half of the year, especially if gold prices maintain their upward trajectory. Indicators suggest that the silver pound could transition from being a 'temporary substitute' to becoming a core product in Egypt's gift market—combining symbolic value with affordability. Amid soaring gold prices and rising living costs, the silver pound has emerged as a smart and economical alternative, carrying the same cultural and social significance, but at a cost aligned with the purchasing power of wider population segments. How Rising Gold Prices Have Changed Gift-Giving Norms The relentless surge in gold prices has significantly altered gifting habits among individuals and businesses in Egypt. Gold was once the default gift of choice for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and corporate tokens of appreciation. But with prices reaching record highs, many have sought cost-effective yet valuable alternatives. The silver pound has stepped into that void, offering a middle ground between financial practicality and symbolic worth. This shift isn't limited to individuals—it now includes businesses aiming to reward employees or partners without breaking the bank. Why the Silver Pound is a Preferred Gift and Investment Several reasons have driven the preference for silver pounds among both consumers and businesses: Affordability: The silver pound is an economical alternative to gold, allowing for meaningful gifting without high financial strain. Investment Value: While silver is less expensive than gold, it remains a safe-haven asset that holds value over time—especially in periods of inflation and uncertainty. Some reports even suggest silver can outperform gold under certain conditions. Flexibility and Variety: Silver bullion comes in a wide range of shapes and designs, making it ideal for both personal and corporate gifting. The silver pound, in particular, carries a historical and cultural resonance that enhances its appeal. Growing Demand: The silver market in Egypt is experiencing rising demand, reflecting increasing public awareness of silver's value. A report published in April 2025 noted a 4.3% increase in silver prices in just one week, driven by growing consumption. Ease of Trading: Silver is easily tradable in Egypt's market, further adding to its attractiveness as an investment. The growing demand for silver pounds in Egypt is a natural response to economic conditions and rising gold prices. Silver—especially the silver pound—has proven to be a practical and valuable alternative that serves the dual purpose of gifting and investment for both individuals and businesses alike. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"


Mid East Info
a day ago
- Mid East Info
CPX elevates security excellence with Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) membership - Middle East Business News and Information
CPX Holding, a leading provider of cutting-edge cyber and physical security solutions and services, today announced it has joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a prestigious ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISV) and managed security service providers (MSSP) that have integrated their solutions with Microsoft's security technologies. This milestone underscores CPX's continued commitment to delivering advanced, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that protect digital infrastructure across critical infrastructure sectors. By joining MISA, CPX gains access to exclusive technical resources, collaborative opportunities, and joint go-to-market initiatives with Microsoft to help strengthen global security resilience. In addition to signalling the quality and reliability of CPX's cybersecurity solutions, the MISA membership translates to greater value for its customers. This includes enhanced solution integration for smoother deployments, early access to Microsoft's evolving security capabilities to address future threats proactively, and a deeper alignment with global best practices that ensures the highest standards of protection. 'Joining MISA is a major step forward in our mission to build a more secure and resilient digital world,' said Hadi Anwar, CEO of CPX. 'As a trusted national champion with expanding international reach, CPX is proud to collaborate with Microsoft to offer integrated, future-ready cybersecurity solutions. This partnership amplifies our impact, accelerates innovation, and enables us to better serve enterprises and governments in the UAE and beyond.' 'Cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex and widespread. MISA unites the expertise of trusted security leaders, and we are pleased to announce CPX as a new member,' stated Ahmed Hamzawy, Chief Partnership Officer at Microsoft UAE. 'By working together, we can assist customers in defending against today's sophisticated attacks with improved speed, integration, and confidence.' Members are invited to join MISA based on a rigorous nomination process led by Microsoft security stakeholders. Eligibility requires demonstrated integration with MISA-qualified Microsoft security products, strong technical alignment, and multiple customer references. Final approval is granted by the MISA Governance Council. CPX's membership reinforces its role as a trusted provider of integrated security solutions, empowering organizations to strengthen their security resilience.