Latest news with #MicrosoftforStartups
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft's fired AI director to 6,000 laid off employees along with her: "These are people who…"
Microsoft layoffs 2025 hit 6,000 employees worldwide, including AI Director Gabriela de Queiroz. As the tech giant pushes deeper into artificial intelligence, industry experts question the decision. Find out why even AI leaders weren't safe from Microsoft's sudden cuts. Microsoft announced last week that it is laying off approximately 6,000 employees, nearly 3% of its global workforce—in what marks the company's second-largest job reduction in its history. Among those affected was Gabriela de Queiroz , Director of Artificial Intelligence for Microsoft for Startups , who shared the "bittersweet news" of her departure on social media. — gdequeiroz (@gdequeiroz) "I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. Am I sad? Absolutely. I'm heartbroken to see so many talented people I've had the honor of working with being let go. These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference," de Queiroz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a picture of herself smiling. The layoffs come as Microsoft aggressively pushes into artificial intelligence, with CEO Satya Nadella revealing in April that AI now writes up to 30% of code in some Microsoft projects. Software engineers bore the brunt of the cuts, representing over 40% of the approximately 2,000 positions eliminated in Washington state alone, according to Bloomberg analysis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now To those also affected—you're not alone, we're at least 6,000, says Microsoft's fired AI director Despite being asked to stop work immediately and set an out-of-office message, de Queiroz chose to stay longer. "I chose to stay a little longer—showing up for meetings, saying goodbye, wrapping up what I could. That felt right to me," she explained in her social media posts. The irony of laying off an AI director while the company invests heavily in AI technology wasn't lost on industry observers. One Microsoft vice president recently told his team to use AI chatbots to generate half their computer code, up from the current 20-30%, before more than a dozen engineers on his team were subsequently laid off. "But if you know me, you know I always look at the bright side. I'm an optimist at heart. That hasn't changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that's all still here," de Queiroz wrote, maintaining her positive outlook despite the circumstances. The cuts affect all levels, teams, and geographies as Microsoft streamlines operations and reduces management layers. "What's next? I don't know yet. It's too soon to say. But I trust that something good will come out of this," de Queiroz concluded, addressing fellow affected employees: "To those also affected—you're not alone. We are at least 6,000." AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Even The AI Director Was Not Spared In Microsoft's Recent Layoffs, Tech Industry Concerned
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs, letting go of approximately 6,000 employees, which accounts for nearly 3% of its global workforce. This move is part of the company's efforts to realign its organisational structure as it aggressively pushes into artificial intelligence. Gabriela de Queiroz, Director of Artificial Intelligence for Microsoft for Startups, was among those affected and shared the "bittersweet" news of her departure on social media. According to Ms Queiroz, staff were asked to stop work immediately after being informed of the decision. She chose to stay on for a bit, attend meetings, and bid farewell to her colleagues, showing her commitment to her team and appreciation for her time at Microsoft. "Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. Am I sad? Absolutely. I'm heartbroken to see so many talented people I've had the honour of working with being let go. These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference," she wrote along with a picture of herself smiling. See the tweet here: 💔 Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. — Gabriela de Queiroz (@gdequeiroz) May 13, 2025 Despite her disappointment, she remains optimistic and "is looking at the bright side." "I'm an optimist at heart. That hasn't changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that's all still here," she expressed. She ended her post with a note for others impacted by the layoffs. "What's next? I don't know yet. It's too soon to say. But I trust that something good will come out of this. To those also affected—you're not alone. We are at least 6,000. And to those who've reached out, thank you. Your kindness means everything right now," she concluded the post. Techies React Many users, including technology professionals, were left shocked and bewildered by her abrupt dismissal. Many expressed deep concern and disbelief, questioning the rationale behind such a decision at a time when AI is driving innovation and shaping the future of countless industries. Some labelled the move a "paradox", while others called the decision "illogical". One user wrote, "It's ok to say there isn't a bright side here bc this seems despicable to me: a company that has ballyhooed AI all over town and intruded into all our spaces with AI then director of AI. Makes no sense. None. Why use CoPilot when this happens? That's how to see it." Another commented, "I don't understand how "the director of AI" could be let go...? Like I get the big picture of: "AI could do that..." or "fewer people with AI could do that..." But of all roles "director of AI" seems like an odd one to let go of." A third joked, "Did the AI start directing itself?" Layoffs at Microsoft This recent layoff follows previous job cuts in 2023, where Microsoft reduced its workforce by 10,000 jobs, less than 5% of its total workforce. The company has cited the need for "organisational and workforce adjustments" to manage its business effectively. Microsoft said the layoffs are part of its efforts to stay competitive and agile as it rapidly integrates AI into its products and services. The company aims to automate routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, mentioned that the company was exercising caution due to economic uncertainty and potential recession.
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Tehama Technologies Introduces Tehama Manager 3.0 for Azure Virtual Desktop
Co-developed in partnership with the Microsoft for Startups program, the game-changing solution delivers a transformative and innovative virtual desktop 'Tehama Manager 3.0 sets us apart from others and redefines enterprise security and data governance, setting a new standard for hybrid work services.' — Mick Miralis, Chief Revenue Officer OTTAWA, ON, CANADA, January 29, 2025 / / -- Tehama Technologies, a leading provider of all-in-one cybersecurity platforms for secure hybrid and remote work, announces the availability of Tehama Manager 3.0 for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) on Microsoft Azure Marketplace. Co-developed in partnership with the Microsoft for Startups program, Tehama Manager 3.0 is purpose-built for enterprise users and Microsoft resellers, designed to maximize the value of their Microsoft investments. Seamlessly integrating Microsoft solutions, including Entra ID, Intune, and Copilot, with Tehama's advanced security and data governance suite, Tehama Manager offers centralized management capabilities and fully managed secure perimeter data enclaves. As a result, Tehama Manager delivers enterprise-level security, governance, and regulatory compliance with simplicity, speed, and cost efficiency. This powerful collaboration between Microsoft and Tehama raises the standard for enterprise security and hybrid work solutions by immediately delivering: - Integrated Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) with included compute resources. - Comprehensive enterprise security, Uniform, air-locked protection across endpoints, data and applications. - Centralized provisioning, management, and cost optimization for Microsoft solutions, including Azure Virtual Desktop, Entra ID, and Intune. - Rapid time-to-value, with streamlined deployment and eligibility for Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC). 'This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, our goal has been to deliver a transformative and innovative solution that is a game changer. With the incredible support of the Microsoft team, we've achieved exactly that,' said Mick Miralis, Chief Revenue Officer. 'Tehama Manager 3.0 sets us apart from others and redefines enterprise security and data governance, setting a new standard for hybrid work services. By integrating Microsoft's innovative technology with Tehama's advanced security, data governance, and management platform, we empower enterprises and resellers to maximize the value of their Microsoft investment like never before.' A Partnership for Digital Transformation As a participant in Microsoft for Startups program, Tehama continues to benefit from access to Microsoft's extensive resources, technical expertise, and go-to-market strategies. 'At Microsoft, we are excited to collaborate with Tehama Technologies as part of our 'Microsoft for startups' program', said Tom Davis, Sr. Partner, Microsoft for Startups. 'Together, we provide a unique combination of management, cost optimization and comprehensive security services for Microsoft enterprises'. Together we enable our mutual customer to maximize their Microsoft investment.' Discover Tehama Manager 3.0 Today Tehama Manager 3.0 is now available on the Azure Marketplace. For more information, visit Tehama Azure Marketplace. About Tehama Technologies Tehama Technologies is a global cybersecurity leader, specializing in hybrid work, compliance, data and AI governance, and security operations. We deliver these services through our innovative secure perimeter data enclaves, ensuring organizations remain resilient in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of integrated advanced security services and virtual desktops, designed for the modern enterprise. From end-point isolation to protecting your digital assets, data, and applications through controlled access with full auditing and accountability, Tehama Technologies enables you to safely accelerate your digital transformation and meet relevant regulatory and compliance requirements. For more information, visit -###- TEHAMA, the Tehama logo are trademarks of Tehama Technologies. All references herein to the corporate names, trade names, trademarks, and service marks of third parties are intended to accurately identify such parties as the sources of specific products and services. No claim of association or license is intended or should be inferred by such use. Mick Miralis +1 508-579-8996
