After decades of rampant hiring, it looks as though Microsoft has started a cull. A post on the anonymous Mini-Microsoft blog includes a quote:
ok Mini, you're getting your wish. My org announced today a roughly 50% RIF. One group of 65 in the org is being cut to 36. My group of 12 is being reduced to 3. Management is being cut from 21 to 8 people.
Note: RIF is Microsoft-speak for Reduction In Force, ie lay-offs. The equivalent at IBM was CTP or Career Transition Programme, otherwise known as "Cash To Piss off".
Update: Microsoft Watch says 214 sales jobs are being axed, but 66 new jobs are being created in "customer-facing" positions in US sales.