Microsoft is set to cut thousands of jobs around the world, according to reports.

The IT giant is reorganising its sales and marketing teams - with the aim of improving its cloud computing offering.

The 3,000 to 4,000 jobs under threat are believed to be based outside of the US, although it is as yet unclear what countries will be affected.

The precise number of jobs to be cut is also unclear.

It is understood that any impact on the 1,800 staff at Microsoft Ireland will be minimal.

The company announced 600 Irish jobs in February, while its new purpose built campus in Leopardstown is due to open in October.

Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella

Microsoft made its name as a computer software developer, however improvements in cloud services, including big data analysis, artificial intelligence and specialized cloud software are viewed as key areas of growth for the business moving forward. 

Internationally the company's sales and marketing arm employs approximately 50,000 people.

The company's total international workforce is comprised of approximately 121,500 people.