Apple to Cut 300 Jobs at Claris, Rename Unit

Apple Computer Inc. said it will cut 300 jobs at its Claris unit, bring all of the unit’s products other than the FileMaker Pro line back into Apple and rename the stand-alone subsidiary FileMaker Inc. The move is part of Apple’s recent effort to pare operations and focus on specific products and markets where it’s already strong, as its market share dwindles and it continues to search for a new chief executive. Apple’s share of personal computer shipments has fallen to about 3% from 5% in 1996. The Cupertino-based company reported its first profit in more than a year for its fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 26. The Claris subsidiary makes ClarisWorks for the education and small-business markets; ClarisDraw, an art program; and ClarisImpact for graphics and charts. All products will become Apple brands that will be sold and distributed by Apple’s sales force instead of by Claris. Claris’ total sales in fiscal 1997 were $281 million. FileMaker sales were $73 million in fiscal 1997 and $24 million in the latest quarter. Apple shares fell 31 cents to close at $19.13 on Nasdaq.