Fri, Jan 23, 2009 | 06:39 GMT
Microsoft to cut 5,000 jobs as 360 sells 6 million in 3 months
Microsoft today announced that due to “the further deterioration of global economic conditions,” it will “eliminate up to 5,000 jobs” over the next 18 months.
1,400 jobs will be cut immediately with R&D, marketing, sales, finance, legal, HR and IT all affected.
Microsoft intends to recoup approximately $1.5 billion through the cost-cutting initiative.
“While we are not immune to the effects of the economy, I am confident in the strength of our product portfolio and soundness of our approach,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.
“We will continue to manage expenses and invest in long-term opportunities… we will emerge an even stronger industry leader than we are today.”
Microsoft said that 6 million Xbox 360s were sold worldwide between October and December 2008.
The company has yet to specify whether its Entertainment & Devices division will be affected.
By Mike Bowden
6 comments
#1
Blerk
22/01/09, 4:26 pm
It really is the end of the world, isn’t it? They just announced that their Entertainment & Devices division made a profit so it’s not entirely doom and gloom but try telling that to the 5000 poor saps who are out on their ears.
Anyway, separated at birth – Steve Ballmer and….?
#2
Axle
22/01/09, 5:15 pm
I was going to say Phil Harrison . . .
#3
G1GAHURTZ
22/01/09, 5:24 pm
Odo
#4
DaMan
22/01/09, 6:00 pm
Harrison is Johnny Depp compared to that ugly dick.
#5
onyxbox
22/01/09, 7:13 pm
Are they scrapping Zune?
#6
Esha
23/01/09, 2:42 am
Awww…
You didn’t use an image of the sweaty and hilarious Ballmer doing his “Developers developers developers developers developers” chant? FOR SHAME!