Microsoft

Microsoft corp. is no longer hiring for many open positions, including its Azure cloud business and security software division, as the economy continues to weaken. Earlier this month, Microsoft cut less than 1 per cent of its 180,000 workforce, affecting divisions such as consulting and customer solutions, but said it would increase its headcount by the end of the fiscal year.

Microsoft said the hiring freeze would remain in place for the foreseeable future, but it declined to say which divisions and businesses would be affected. Microsoft said it would honor any job offers it has made for open positions, with the exception of some key positions. It's a further move by Microsoft to limit hiring. Microsoft had already disclosed the hiring slowdown in May, which primarily affected the Windows, Office and Teams Teams.

Microsoft's Azure is the world's second-largest infrastructure cloud service provider and has been trying for years to close the gap with its larger rival, Amazon's AWS. The unit's growth rate remains one of the most closely watched indicators as Microsoft reports its quarterly earnings next Tuesday. (Author/Xiao Yu)

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