Symantec Layoffs Hit Top Execs

Those included in the recent downsizing are Marlene Williamson, Vice President of Americas Marketing, and Erna Arnesen, VP Global SMB and Industry and Partner Marketing.

While Symantec declined to comment on the status of the specific employees, a spokesperson stated via e-mail that, "Symantec continues to have a strong focus on controlling its costs and has set cost saving targets for each business function. In some instances, headcount reductions will be implemented as part of the ongoing cost savings initiative."

Earlier this month, Symantec announced that it planned a series of cutbacks that would impact just under 3 percent of its global workforce, but would not, however, affect all of the company's business units. The layoffs come at a time when Symantec is simultaneously engaged in deals to acquire more companies, including the recent $350 million acquisition of data loss prevention vendor Vontu.

What the most recent round of layoffs will mean to channel partners still remains to be determined.

"It's always unfortunate that there are layoffs in any industry. The fact that there are layoffs could mean one of two things," said Pat Edwards, VP of sales at Alliance Technology Group. "One: There will potentially be less resources for the channel to execute. Or two: Because of the layoffs, there might be more focus on the channel itself. Of course, we're hoping for the latter."

While Symantec reported strong second quarter earnings, Symantec's stock has suffered in recent months and analysts say that the company could face some rocky times ahead. This recent round of cutbacks comes on the heels of other cost-cutting measures that included a 5 percent layoff of its global personnel in March, which saved company around $200 million.

With decreasing loyalty and less differentiation between security vendors, industry analysts say that Symantec will likely continue to find itself in some highly competitive waters, unless it can find some way to re-establish itself as an industry leader and gain market share.

"(The layoffs) could mean they'll get themselves together and better engage their partners," said Symantec partner Jeff Tye. "Maybe it will be better."