Washington: Microsoft is set to pause hiring in its U.S. consulting business as part of broader cost-reduction efforts, according to an internal memo reported by CNBC. The move aligns with the company's strategy to manage expenses while prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence (AI).

The tech giant plans to allocate approximately $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to expand data centers aimed at training AI models and deploying AI-driven and cloud-based applications. As part of the cost-cutting measures, the consulting division will temporarily suspend hiring new staff and back-filling roles, consulting executive Derek Danois reportedly informed employees.

The memo also urged employees to avoid travel expenses for internal meetings, favoring remote sessions instead. Additionally, the division plans to slash marketing and non-billable external resource expenditures by 35%, aligning with policies set by the Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions organization, which employs around 60,000 people.

Microsoft has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Mumbai (PTI): Aviation watchdog DGCA on Friday eased the flight duty norms by allowing substitution of leaves with a weekly rest period amid massive operational disruptions at IndiGo, according to sources.

As per the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms, "no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest", which means that weekly rest period and leaves are to be treated separately. The clause was part of efforts to address fatigue issues among the pilots.

Citing IndiGo flight disruptions, sources told PTI that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to withdraw the provision 'no leave shall be substituted for weekly rest' from the FDTL norms.

ALSO READ: 49 Indigo flights likely to be cancelled from Hyderabad

"In view of the ongoing operational disruptions and representations received from various airlines regarding the need to ensure continuity and stability of operations, it has been considered necessary to review the said provision," DGCA said in a communication dated December 5.

The gaps in planning ahead of the implementation of the revised FDTL, the second phase of which came into force from November 1, have resulted in crew shortage at IndiGo and is one of the key reasons for the current disruptions.