As Cisco preps for comeback kickoff, reported layoffs steal the show

Cisco’s juiced up Catalyst 6500 was supposed to be the cornerstone of Cisco Live! 2011 comeback kickoff. Instead, the return-to-roots messaging has been dampened by news of more rounds of coming layoffs, first reported at 5,000, according to one analyst, and then later doubled to 10,000 according to two sources Bloomberg interviewed.

The reductions were not completely unexpected, given the renewed focus on Cisco core businesses, but they are deep: About 14 percent of Cisco’s total workforce. Cisco has not confirmed the reports, but a spokesperson told Bloomberg it “will provide additional detail on the cost reductions” on its next quarterly earnings call.

Michael Morisy is the editorial director for ITKnowledgeExchange. He can be followed on Twitter or you can reach him at Michael@ITKnowledgeExchange.com. Check out our complete Cisco Live! Coverage guide for more breaking news.