Struggling Sybase Fires 10% of Staff

Sybase Inc. said it has fired about 600 employees, or 10% of its worldwide work force of about 6,000, in an effort to return to profitability. The Emeryville-based database-software maker said when it reported fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 28 that it would take steps to meet more conservative revenue-growth expectations, and that the cost-cutting might include firing employees. Sybase has been struggling amid slowing demand from corporations for database software. The company reported a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss because of weak North American sales and improperly recognized revenue in Japan. Sybase shares fell 6 cents to close at $10 on Nasdaq.