Microsoft (MSFT.US) announced on Saturday that users of its Azure cloud platform may experience slower response times due to multiple undersea cable breaks in the Red Sea. The company stated in a system update that the disruption affects data transmission through the Middle East region, while services outside the region remain unaffected.

"We do anticipate that some network traffic transmission delays that previously routed through the Middle East region will increase. Network traffic that does not route through the Middle East is not impacted," Microsoft said. The company also indicated it will continue to provide daily updates or earlier if conditions change.

Azure is the world's second-largest cloud service provider after Amazon's (AMZN.US) AWS. The company has implemented data rerouting measures to minimize the impact. While these rerouting efforts prevent complete network disruption, some users may still experience connection delays.

The Red Sea serves as a crucial communication corridor, connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia through Egypt. Due to ongoing attacks on ships in the region by Yemen's Houthi militants, repairing the undersea cables in the area may face significant challenges.