The Enterprise System Spectator: Another wave of Oracle layoffs, April 2009

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Another wave of Oracle layoffs, April 2009

See latest post on Oracle layoffs, Nov. 2009

I just noticed a surge in web traffic from Google referrals for "Oracle layoff" and "Oracle layoffs, April 2009," and a quick check with LayoffBlog is showing many new comments yesterday and today indicating that another wave of layoffs is occurred on April 15-16.

The comments indicate that the reduction in force (RIF) is primarily impacting consulting and support groups in the U.S. and Canada, with some comments from overseas locations as well. The Orlando support center is mentioned several times. No mention of the development organization being impacted.

Layoffs hitting the support group would be unfortunate, as Oracle has been boasting in its financial announcement of the fat margins it realizes from its maintenance revenue. But there are already reports of customer dissatisfaction with Oracle's aggressive attempts increase revenues from its installed base. Therefore, one might argue that Oracle should be increasing its service and support resources, not cutting them. Otherwise, it increases the risk of a major customer backlash in the future. As Rick Aster pointed out in a blog post this morning, don't confuse customer patience with customer satisfaction.

As has been the case in previous waves of Oracle layoffs, there is no announcement or press notice from Oracle directly. If you have more information, please drop me an email or leave a comment on this post.

Update, Apr. 27. Over the past several days, there have been a number of hits to the Spectator looking for information on Oracle severance packages. If you have information on why this subject is suddenly of interest, please drop me an email or leave a comment on this post.

Related posts
Layoffs at Oracle, SAP, and Infor

by Frank Scavo, 4/16/2009 02:07:00 PM | permalink | e-mail this!

Reader Comments:

I was part of RIF that happened on Apr 15. Part of EMP/BI Consulting practice. Had excellent performance reviews and 95% utilization in my 4 years with consulting.

The reason given was outdated skill set.

They are not able to place many bench consultants as their rates vey high for a US based consultant.

I think its a sinking ship ....

The practice directors are very rude and full of ego.

Big 5 culture is much better than oracle consulting Management...

posted by Anonymous | 10:46 AM, April 20, 2009 | link to this comment

If you are wondering why so many hits re severance packages,,,,its the SUN employees trying to figure out what they are getting once the sale goes though!

From what I hear all of the SUN Executives get 3 years pay...while employees get 2 weeks for every year....and they call that justice!

posted by Anonymous | 6:40 PM, April 29, 2009 | link to this comment

huge round of layoffs coming May 8, over 5000, mostly in sales, sales support marketing, consulting and oracle direct. They want to lay off the field personnel before end of year to lower the cost of sales and to avoid paying end of year bonuses. Also the bea agreement ended on april 29 so the bea people are much cheaper to lay off now.

posted by Anonymous | 1:05 PM, May 07, 2009 | link to this comment

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