Channel Beat: Microsoft Cuts Most Jobs In History Of Company

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In this week’s top stories, Microsoft will cut up to 18,000 jobs over the next year, the tech giant said this week. In a statement, Microsoft said about 12,500 of the positions that will be cut are part of its Nokia handset business acquisition. The layoffs are part of CEO Satya Nadella’s efforts to streamline business. Nadella promises transparency throughout the process.

Apple and IBM are joining forces to push mobile solutions into the enterprise, but for now, it looks like they’re leaving partners out of the deal. The exclusive partnership will have IBM sell Apple mobile devices to business customers, backed with customized ’built for business’ applications. However, neither company has confirmed any plans to offer sales and services through the channel.

Partners fear Apple, who has struggled to support enterprise customers, will operate exclusively through IBM.

Verizon will open of 1,700 of its top enterprise accounts to partners, the company said this week. The U.S. carrier will also expand its partner program to Europe. Verizon’s direct sales team previously managed the accounts, and partners will work with direct sales reps on larger deals.

Verizon redesigned its partner program in 2013 in hopes of streamlining Verizon’s route to market through the channel.

PUBLISHED JULY 18, 2014