The basis for this decision was laid in August 2023, when Microsoft began to notify Russian companies that their license extensions would be terminated in the future. The company announced that existing licenses will remain valid until their expiration date.

A letter from Microsoft Online Services support to a customer clearly stated: It will not be possible to renew the subscription after September 30, 2023 due to restrictions on accepting payments to local bank accounts. The letter said:

Microsoft can no longer accept subscription money transfers to a local bank account. Therefore, Microsoft is notifying you 60 days in advance that you will no longer be able to renew your existing subscriptions after September 30, 2023.

Previously, in April 2023, Microsoft expanded the option to extend licenses to Russian branches of international and private companies that are not subject to sanctions. Analysts suggest that this move may be an attempt by the company to maintain its presence in the Russian market and at the same time solve problems with unauthorized use of Microsoft software.

The termination of the extension of Microsoft’s corporate licenses in Russia clearly signals a clear decision by the tech giant. It is not yet clear how this decision will affect the technology industry and business in Russia in the coming months and years. But considering how dependent these areas in Russia are on Microsoft products, we can say for sure that nothing good awaits them.