January 23, 2009
Layoffs: Microsoft bent, but not broken
Network World
Layer 8 offers some insight into Microsoft’s recent announcement of laying off up to 5,000 of it staff over the next year and a half.
“Microsoft, once seemingly immune from economic turmoil, is undertaking an historic resetting of its business starting with staff and cost reductions as it hunkers down to weather a downturn CEO Steve Ballmer predicts won’t come with a quick rebound. It was the first time in its history that Microsoft had made wholesale cuts across the company.”
Nokia sales and profits dive in fourth quarter
The Register
Bill Ray writes about Nokia’s unfortunate fourth quarter revenue results.
“Nokia’s fourth quarter results show the world’s biggest phone manufacturer’s operating profit dropping more than 50 per cent. Sales at the Finnish giant slipped 19.5 per cent… as the firm dealt with a declining worldwide economy where getting a new phone is increasingly taking second place to finding a new job. The company reckons 2009 isn’t going to be a good year, with an expected 10 per cent decline in sales, most of which will come during the first half of the year. However, the company expects to retain its market share.”
Intel readying 320GB SSDs?
Engadget
Laura June writes that Intel may be introducing new 320GB solid state drives this fall.
“ We’re hearing they’ll apparently debut some new, 320GB solid states this fall, about doubling the capacity of its current models. None of this has been confirmed by Intel, of course, but the reports are that the company is telling PC manufacturers to expect them.”