10.17.07
More Novell Layoffs (Rumours Become Reality) (Updated)
As we predicated a long time ago, the layoffs are large in terms of scale. The AppArmor team was the tip of the iceberg and it’s now being confirmed by the local press.
Novell is laying off 250 software development positions in the United States and offshoring the majority of these to its operations in Bangalore, India. The company announced the layoffs to its workers today.
It’s saddening to hear this and it is truly a shame that the current management let the company lose direction so fast (possibly for selfish reasons). SCO axed over 10% of its workforce just days ago as well. Meanwhile, SCO’s management receives pay rises and bonuses. Just comes to show how corrupt the industry can be…
Update: there is perhaps solace to be found in the argument that life after Novell can be better. Here is a new confession which was posted by a former Novell employee yesterday (one former Novell employee posting on behalf of another).
I saw your article last week about “life after Novell.” I wholeheartedly agree. I’m so very glad that [the people you mentioned] ended up in a happier place. My company [is going exceptionally well] and the people here are great. We’re solving real customer problems and making a bit of money at the same time. What I don’t get is why nobody at Novell seems to think this way.
Before the Novellites suggest, “But we do!” you need to realize that outside Novell financial success is measured in double-digit growth (or better), not the 2% and 4% that most of Novell’s businesses are growing at (and yes, while Novell’s Linux business is growing, it’s still unclear by just how much).
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.