UIQ Technology employees on chopping block
updated 02:10 pm EST, Fri November 7, 2008
UIQ employees on dismissal
Cell phone makers Motorola's and Sony Ericsson's recent decision to drop the UIQ-developed platform from its future products has left the software-development company in an uncertain position. On Thursday, UIQ Technology's 270 employees were put on notice of dismissal, according to a Friday report. Sony Ericsson will continue to fund the company on a monthly basis to allow it to consider its future options during this transitional period. It is not known how long Sony Ericsson's funding will remain in place, and Motorola, UIQ's other shareholder, is not involved in the plan.
The news was reportedly broken to the employees after a Wednesday meeting of UIQ's board members. Motorola, UIQ Technology's other share holder is not involved. UIQ's options could include a partial or full acquisition by a third party, as well as internal projects that would see a restructuring of the company. Plans are in place to help employees in their future career path, whether that involves moving onto other companies or starting their own companies.
With the expected dissolution of UIQ, many skilled developers are expected to find jobs in wide range of companies that make up the Symbian Foundation. Both Motorola and Sony Ericsson are members of the Symbian Foundation, which means they are moving to a Symbian OS for their future handsets.
