Microsoft has alerted users of its Azure cloud service to possible disruptions following multiple undersea fiber cable cuts in the Red Sea. In a system status update released on Saturday, the tech giant said customers may experience higher latency on traffic that previously relied on routes through the Middle East.
The company explained that while network traffic outside the region remains unaffected, customers whose data transits through the Middle East could notice delays. “We do expect higher latency on some traffic that previously traversed through the Middle East… We’ll continue to provide daily updates, or sooner if conditions change,” Microsoft said.
Azure, which is the world’s second-largest cloud provider after Amazon Web Services (AWS), has taken steps to minimize the impact of the disruption. According to Microsoft, traffic has already been rerouted through alternate network paths to keep services running smoothly and ensure there are no full interruptions.
The incident highlights the fragility of global internet infrastructure, particularly undersea fiber cables that handle the bulk of worldwide data transmission. While Microsoft has assured users of its contingency measures, the company emphasized that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates if conditions change.