Indeed, these layoffs had already been announced last June as part of a 2850 right-sizing that was to be completed by end of January 2017, presumably after the US holiday season and before the end of Microsoft’s financial year.

The cuts, unlike earlier ones to surgically remove 7400 staff largely from the Nokia division acquired by former chief executive, Steve Ballmer, are to be spread across the company’s worldwide offices and business units, including sales, marketing, human resources, engineering, finance, etc.

Ironically there are about 1000 open positions, according to Microsoft company, LinkedIn, and Microsoft is making every effort to align layoffs with new positions. It also gives employees 60 days’ notice and two weeks’ pay for every six months’ service.