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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
What Pakistan government said on Microsoft closing operations in the country: Full Statement
Microsoft recently completely shut down its operations in Pakistan. Microsoft had set up its operations in Pakistan in June 2000. Shutting down of Microsoft Pakistan after 25 years 'marked end of an era' as the company's first country head Jawwad Rehman said in a post on LinkedIn. 'This is more than a corporate exit. It's a sobering signal of the environment our country has created … one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft,' Rehman wrote in the post. The Redmond-based too has confirmed closing down its office in Pakistan. 'Our customer agreements and service will not be affected by this change,' a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. 'We follow this model successfully in a number of other countries around the world. Our customers remain our top priority and can expect the same high level of service going forward,' the spokesperson added. The Pakistan government issued a statement on Microsoft closing operations in the country. The release titled, 'Microsoft's Operational Restructuring: Ensure Continued Commitment to Pakistan', termed Microsoft's decision part of a wider global restructuring. Here's is the full statement. 'Microsoft's Operational Restructuring: Ensure Continued Commitment to Pakistan' The global pivot from on-premise software (transactional deals) to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) (recurring revenue) continues to reshape how technology firms structure their international operations. Microsoft is no exception. Over the past few years the company has shifted licensing and commercial-contract management for Pakistan to its European hub in Ireland, while day-to-day service delivery here has been handled entirely by its certified local partners. Against that backdrop, we understand Microsoft is now reviewing the future of its liaison office in Pakistan as part of a wider workforce-optimisation programme. This would reflect a long-signalled strategy, consolidating direct headcount and moving toward a partner-led, cloud-based delivery model, rather than a retreat from the Pakistani market. Pakistan's Ministry of IT & Telecom recognises the strategic value of having leading global technology providers active in the country. We will continue to engage Microsoft's regional and global leadership to ensure that any structural changes strengthen, rather than diminish, Microsoft's long term commitment to Pakistani customers, developers and channel partners. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
What Microsoft said on shutting down its 25-year-old operations in Pakistan: We follow this ...
Microsoft recently shut down its operations in Pakistan after 25 years. The news of Microsoft closing down its operations in Pakistan was first revealed in a LinkedIn post by Jawwad Rehman, the founding head of Microsoft Pakistan. However, the move is said to be in the offing for sometime as only a liaison office with around five employees remained in Pakistan. Microsoft has now confirmed the complete closure of the company's operations in the country. The Redmond-based company told TechCrunch that it is changing its operational model in Pakistan. The report further added that Microsoft did not have any engineering resources in Pakistan. This is unlike Microsoft's operations in India and other growing markets. The closure comes amid broader company restructuring of Microsoft's operations globally. What Microsoft said on closing operations in Pakistan 'Our customer agreements and service will not be affected by this change,' a Microsoft spokesperson said in an emailed statement. It added that the company will now serve its customers through resellers and 'other closely located Microsoft offices.' the spokesperson added, 'We follow this model successfully in a number of other countries around the world. Our customers remain our top priority and can expect the same high level of service going forward.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The decision will reportedly impact the five Microsoft employees in Pakistan. These employees reportedly sold Azure and Office products in the country What Microsoft Pakistan country head said on the exit In a post titled 'End of an Era… Microsoft Pakistan', the company's first-ever country head in Pakistan Rehman wrote, "Today, I learned that Microsoft is officially closing its operations in Pakistan. The last few remaining employees were formally informed and just like that, an era ends... Exactly 25 years ago, in June 2000, I had the honor of launching and leading Microsoft Pakistan." He added, "Today's news forces reflection. This is more than a corporate exit. It's a sobering signal of the environment our country has created.. one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft." He further said that it is time for Pakistan to reflect on what has changed. "We must ask: What changed? What was lost? What happened to the values, leadership, and vision that once made it all possible?" he wrote. "Allah grants honor and opportunity to whom He wills.. and takes it away from those who lose sight of it. But if your work leaves behind impact, integrity & inspiration.. then know that Allah's favor was with you," the post added. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Microsoft exec offers horrifying advice to laid off employees
Microsoft (MSFT) made an announcement last week that's become hauntingly familiar news in recent months: it's decided to conduct yet another round of layoffs. On June 2, the Redmond-based tech company said it will lay off less than 4% of its global workforce, which adds up to about 9,000 of its employees. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Microsoft has done multiple rounds of layoffs this year as it scales up its AI plans, leaving many wondering if they'll be next on the chopping block. It's a scary time to be in tech, as Meta, Amazon, and Google have also announced layoffs this year. All these companies have also been building their AI investments, with Meta committing to spend $65 billion in 2025, Amazon committing $100 billion, and Google committing to $75 billion. Related: Microsoft sends a brutal message to loyal employees Add into this that the news is crammed with threats of AI eliminating jobs, and it's naturally creating a lot of anxiety for those who have been laid off and need to look for a new role. People often wax philosophical on LinkedIn about layoffs, whether they were affected by them or simply want to comment on what they mean for the affected industry. But when a key Microsoft executive decided to do so in a recent post, he hit a nerve with comments that seemed tone-deaf to the newly unemployed. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post screencapped by BlueSky user and Necrosoft Games Creative Director Brandon Sheffield, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing Matt Turnbull shared some thoughts on what he believed those affected by the recent Microsoft layoffs should do. More Layoffs: Disney makes a devastating layoffs announcementFedEx layoffs signal a concerning business trendMeta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs "These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone, and you don't have to go it alone," Turnbull wrote. "I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances," he continued. "I've been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss." Related: Microsoft joins Facebook and Google in upsetting practice Turnbull goes on to recommend a few prompts those affected by layoffs can use, including career planning prompts, resume help, how to draft a post to foster networking, and even how to ask an LLM for help with imposter syndrome. In his own post where he shared the screencap, Sheffield said, "Something I've realized over time is people in general lack the ability to think in a broader scope and include context and eventualities. But after thousands of people get laid off from your company, maybe don't suggest they turn to the thing you're trying to replace them with for solace." While the June jobs report looked positive at a glance, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.1% and 147,000 nonfarm jobs added per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a deeper look reveals other troubles. Unemployment duration increased from 21.8 to 23 weeks, signifying a longer struggle to find work, and the percentage of people unemployed for 27 weeks or more rose to 23.3%. More stories are also emerging about the use of AI in both hiring and applying. Jobseekers have begun to report experiencing job interviews with AI instead of with human beings, with many finding the process clinical and disappointing. To fight back against what seems like an impossible job market, many applicants are also using AI to mass apply to jobs, leaving recruiters overwhelmed and unable to cope. Meanwhile, a recent ResumeBuilder survey also found that 66% of managers now turn to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT when making decisions about layoffs. In addition, 78% turn to it for decisions on raises, while 77% use it for deciding on promotions. Related: Amid AI boom, veteran analyst reboots AMD, Supermicro stock price targets The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Some of Washington's top craft brewers saw sales slip in 2024
Four of Washington state's 10 largest craft breweries reported falling sales in 2024, with another stuck at zero growth, according to Brewers Association data. Why it matters: Even Washington's storied craft beer industry is struggling with shifting drinking habits, rising costs and crowded competition, echoing national challenges. By the numbers: Silver City Brewery in Bremerton reported a 21% drop in sales last year, the largest decline among Washington's top 10 craft brewers. Ackley Brands, which bought Redmond-based Mac & Jack's Brewing Co. in 2023, saw a 12% decline. Bale Breaker Brewing Co. in Yakima had a 5% drop in sales, while Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg saw a 9% drop. Spokane's No-Li Brewhouse posted 0% growth. Yes, but: It wasn't all gloomy news for big local brewers. Seattle's Georgetown Brewing Co. and Fremont Brewing saw their sales climb. So did Stoup Brewing, which has locations in Seattle and Kenmore, and Black Raven Brewing Co., which is based on the Eastside. Leavenworth's Icicle Brewing Co. saw the biggest increase: 28%. What they're saying: Increased demand for nonalcoholic options and the proliferation of ready-to-drink cocktails are contributing to "challenging times" for local breweries in Washington and elsewhere, Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, told Axios. That said, "we're faring better than most," Olson said. "We're seeing some really good breweries that are making some really good beer, and consumers are recognizing that," he said. State of play: More craft breweries closed than opened in Washington in 2024, he said, mirroring a national trend. Between the lines: Many brewers are adding nonalcoholic options and other products like hard ciders to broaden their appeal, Olson said. Case in point: Fremont Brewing introduced a nonalcoholic IPA in 2023, while Georgetown Brewing bought Timber City Ginger Beer late last year. What we're watching: In a December 2024 report, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association wrote that brewers were bracing for another challenging year in 2025, due in part to market pressures and potential tariff impacts.
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Microsoft sends a brutal message to loyal employees
If you work in the tech industry and feel nervous about keeping your job this year, no one would blame you. Once thought of as the most stable companies to get jobs with, tech behemoths like Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have all made layoffs in the first half of 2025, with some doing multiple rounds as the months have gone by. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter It's been devastating for tech professionals, many taking to LinkedIn to tell their stories of seeking new employment in a time when recruiters are struggling through unmanageable piles of AI-generated applications. Another fear for those who are still employed is the AI boom, which many have predicted will significantly reduce the number of white-collar jobs. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy reinforced the notion recently in a memo to employees, admitting the company's use of AI will reduce its needs for human help. Related: Rivian sends hard-nosed message to employees "We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs," Jassy said. "It's hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce as we get efficiency gains from using AI extensively across the company." Now another huge tech company is doing more layoffs - its fourth round this year. Microsoft (MSFT) confirmed on June 2 that it plans to lay off less than 4% of its global workforce, or about 9,000 of its employees. More Tech Stocks: Amazon tries to make AI great again (or maybe for the first time)Veteran portfolio manager raises eyebrows with latest Meta Platforms moveGoogle plans major AI shift after Meta's surprising $14 billion move This news comes two days into the new fiscal year, which is traditionally when the Redmond-based company focuses on cuts and optimizations. These layoffs were predicted back in mid-June, per Bloomberg. Some affected employees work for King, the mobile gaming company that makes the wildly popular "Candy Crush" games. About 200 employees, or 10% of King staff, will be affected. These are not the only cuts that will impact Microsoft's gaming division, although the areas to be downsized are not yet confirmed. Xbox leader Phil Spencer sent a message to the team, saying, "To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft's lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness." Related: Forget AI, Microsoft's CEO shares his company's top priority As noted earlier, Microsoft has already conducted three rounds of layoffs this year: 1% of employees in January for performance-based reasons, then another 6,000 jobs in May and 300 in June. Typically, struggling companies are the ones to do major layoffs to improve their bottom line. Microsoft, however, is thriving. It reported a 16% gain in revenue over its performance in 2023 with $245 billion in annual revenue and more than $109 billion in operating income - and that was before this year's layoffs even started. It may make one question the tech company's end game, but the answer is fairly simple: it's refocusing its efforts in the direction it thinks matters most. Microsoft said it plans to invest heavily in AI this year, with $80 billion devoted to building infrastructure to build AI-enabled data centers. These will be used both to train AI models and to deploy cloud and AI-based applications. Simply put, Microsoft is cutting lines of business it sees as nonessential so it can focus more heavily on AI. Microsoft stock took a small drop of 0.15% after the announcement, but for the most part is holding steady, indicating that investors quietly approve. Related: Jim Cramer sends a blunt message on Microsoft layoffs The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
