Microsoft takes out the Axe - 5,000 jobs to be cut over the next 18 months

(image found on Reuters website)
As the economy is in the crapper everyone is cutting back and tech giant Microsoft is no different. Microsoft is announcing that it didn't make the mark it was shooting for and it will need to make some employee cuts across the board.

"Microsoft said it will eliminate up to 5,000 jobs in research and development, marketing, sales, finance, legal, human resources and information technology over the next 18 months, including 1,400 jobs on Thursday. That amounts to about 5 percent of its estimated 95,000 work force.

Microsoft said these moves would help cut its annualized operating expense by about $1.5 billion and reduce fiscal year 2009 capital expenditures by $700 million."

Microsoft is pointing the finger at the PC industry and net books not hitting the mark. But, I think Microsoft is missing the bigger picture. This may be the tight times but its also the time to get our troops in order and make them work through the grind and come up with some more amazing new products. I understand a company needs to cut its expenses but it also needs to realize that each employee can help it to catipult forward in the down times.

Company's in general have a lot of untapped potential within them. Maybe Microsoft will realize this before it takes out the ax. I think they would be kicking themselves in the ass if they let go of these people and the people they let go went on to form something even more bigger then Microsoft. When times are tough the potential for greatness is high. All you need to do is look within and make it happen.

Microsoft profit misses, to cut up to 5,000 jobs (Reuters)

Microsoft to cut up to 5,000 jobs as earnings fall (AFP)

Microsoft shares slump following earnings release, pulls markets down(Cnet news)