Tandem Computers Inc. reported a $550-million loss...

Tandem Computers Inc. reported a $550-million loss for its third quarter and announced a restructuring that involves laying off up to 1,800 workers. The Cupertino, Calif.-based firm said it will consolidate some subsidiaries, fire 1,600 to 1,800 people over the next year (about 15% of its work force) and cut pay and benefits for those who remain. About 200 to 300 of the layoffs are at Tandem’s Ungermann-Bass subsidiary, which develops software. Tandem took a charge of $451 million to cover the restructuring. Without the charge, it would have reported a loss from operations of $44 million. The overall loss amounted to $4.88 per share for the three months ended June 30. The company earned $17.4 million, or 16 cents a share, in the same period a year ago. Revenue was $476 million, down 5.4% from $503 million a year ago.