Adobe announced that it is cutting 600 full-time jobs—approximately 8% of its global workforce—as a result of weaker-than-expected sales of Creative Suite 4. The company also reported preliminary fourth-quarter revenues, which did not meet expectations.
President and chief executive officer Shantanu Narayen said that the global economic crisis significantly impacted Adobe revenues for the fourth quarter (ending Nov. 28). The workforce reductions are part of a restructuring program that aims to reduce operating costs.
Adobe’s fourth-quarter revenue target range was $925 million to $955 million. Preliminary results reported last week are in the range of $912 million to $915 million. The company expects revenues to continue decreasing, predicting $800 million to $850 million during the first quarter of 2009.
Creative Suite 4 began shipping in the fall in North America and Europe. Professional photographers, designers and others who normally invest in professional-grade software have buckled down for tough times. The fact that software spending is not discretionary but key to making a living is, perhaps, most telling, as it sheds light on how professionals see the near future of their businesses.