[Am-info] Fwd: [IP] Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts - silicon.com

[Gene Gaines]

=0D=0AThis is a forwarded message
From:  David Farber <dave@farber.net>
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Date:  Thursday, July 8, 2004, 6:49:52 AM
Subject: [IP] Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts - printer friendly - =
silicon.com
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http://management.silicon.com/careers/0,39024671,39121997,00.htm
Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts
Jo Best
silicon.com
July 07, 2004

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has told employees in an email that he =20
wants the company to save $1bn in the coming year =96 and if that means =20
getting rid of company drinks machines, that's a step he's prepared to =20
take.


The memo suggested that the world's biggest software company could save =20
itself hundreds of millions if it revamped its advertising and =20
marketing behaviour. Other cuts have already been decided on, like =20
reducing the discount Microsoft employees get knocked off their =20
prescription drugs.


The bid to reduce costs has also meant that new employees to Microsoft =20
will get less annual leave and less time in which they can take their =20
parental leave. Other, smaller bonuses were removed - the towels =20
disappeared out of the Microsoft locker rooms, for example.


However, in the initial round of cost-cutting, there were promises the =20
company wouldn't take the axe to its free drinks policy. In these tough =20
times, nothing is sacred, it appears.


Ballmer told the Seattle Times: "We're looking to take cost out of the =20
delivery of soda pop. That may mean going from coolers to soda =20
dispensers."




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