The Skinny

IBM layoff update: North American cuts climb; mum is word down under

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:19:00 -0400

Alliance at IBM has upped its total for IBM layoffs in North America by another hundred to 2,930. But how many job cuts Big Blue is making in Australia remains unknown, although the media is making estimates.

At last! Sprint 4G service formally launches in Triangle

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:49:34 -0400

For months, Sprint has been teasing formal launch of high-speed wireless service for the Triangle. And it has been available in spots. As of Monday, Sprint declares 4G LTE in place across the region.

Big Blue's layoff total climbs in RTP; North America total surges past 2,800

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:13:00 -0400

"Just when I thought I missed the cuts got the call first thing this morning. Mixed feelings. I love my job and my IBM team members but have to look at this now as an opportunity to leave this toxic environment," says IBMer in RTP. As reports continue to be sent to the union seeking to represent IBM workers, the total layoffs set across North Carolina climbs past 2,800. WRALTechWire Insiders get the latest update.

Big Blue layoff count nears 2,800 in North America alone

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:54:32 -0400

The body count in IBM's latest "resource action" in North America alone continues to creep higher. Internal documents obtained by the union seeking to represent Big Blue workers show that nearly 2,800 workers have been told to find new jobs elsewhere in the company or leave.

NC's high-tech job picture improves in May, but ...

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:08:29 -0400

The daily average number of information technology jobs across North Carolina increased for the fourth consecutive month in May. However, openings remain well below those of a year ago. Software jobs are down by more than 50 percent. One category that is up: "Offshore team coordination."

IBM layoff count hits nearly 2,300 across 31 work groups

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:41:00 -0400

Internal "resource action" documents obtained by the union seeking to represent IBM workers show that nearly 2,300 workers have been told to find new jobs elsewhere in the company or leave.

NC IDEA: Startup deal flow 'better than it has ever been'

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:28:58 -0400

As a venture capitalist, a former entrepreneur and leader of economic development group NC IDEA, Dave Rizzo has a front row seat in the North Carolina startup game. And after making a near-record amount of grants to five startups this week Rizzo says the deal flow is getting better. Why? Rizzo shares his insight with WRALTechWire Insiders.

IBM's job cuts are global, nearing 4,000; most are in U.S.

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:51:55 -0400

Big Blue's $1 billion "rebalancing" of its work force is taking a toll on jobs in many countries, especially in Europe. But confirmed reductions so far have taken place in U.S. and Canada, union sources say.

CEO fears for future of NC Biofuels Center due to budget cuts

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:28:28 -0400

Steven Burke says what the N.C. General Assembly is proposing in doing away with Biofuels Center funding is "unprecedented," but talks with politicos in Raleigh have thus far produced "nothing useful."

Workers 50+ take biggest hit among 14% reduction in IBM marketing group

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:33:14 -0400

Older workers bear the brunt of layoffs IBM is making in one of its marketing groups. In all, 14 percent of the Market Knowledge organization - including two vice presidents - has been told to find another job at Big Blue or leave. WRALTechWire Insiders get the details.

'Anxiety and disruption:' IBM's form letter for layoffs

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:05:18 -0400

IBMers receiving layoff notices today are getting the news in a variety of ways - face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails. But at the root of each is a form letter that spells out what is happening. WRALTechWire has a copy.

'Hundreds' of IBMers across NC hit with layoff notices

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:03:31 -0400

IBM has launched a $1 billion "rebalancing" of its work force as promised by its CFO in April, and hundreds of IBM workers across North Carolina are being affected, according to a source familiar with the job cuts. Workers also confirm receiving layoff notices across various groups within the company.

IBM begins job cuts in RTP, across US, Canada, workers report

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:58:33 -0400

Triangle is among first to report "resource action." A $1 billion "rebalancing" of Big Blue's work force that CFO Mark Loughridge promised back in April is underway, according to reports being sent to Alliance at IBM, the union seeking to represent IBM employees.

House budget offers Biotech Center glimmer of hope on budget

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:45:59 -0400

The N.C. House joins the Senate in calling for a 50 percent cut in funding for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Gov. Pat McCrory's 60 percent slash. However, the House does make up for the cut with non-recurring revenue.

Jim Goodmon's gamble pays off, helps build New Bull City

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:29:17 -0400

New Bully City: In the third of a three-part interview, Capitol Broadcasting CEO Jim Goodmon recalls the risk he took in committing his company to projects that ultimately led to the rebirth of Durham's downtown. But he stresses that many other people, businesses and institutions collaborated to bring new life to tobacco town.

Lenovo's CEO wants server deal (IBM?), aims to 'win' in smartphones

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:51:27 -0400

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing fires up talk about a possible server deal. And you thought a deal for IBM's server business was dead? Plus, "YY" aims to "win" in smartphones with an eye on the U.S.

Startup Factory drops Triangle from name for national brand appeal

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:18:46 -0400

Chris Heivly and David Neal are rebranding the Durham-based startup accelerator as "The Startup Factory" as part of a strategy to broaden its appeal to new companies and possible investors in those emerging ventures.

Jim Goodmon: Durham's diverse creative class is key to rebirth

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:55:52 -0400

New Bull City: In the second of a three-part interview with Capitol Broadcasting Company CEO Jim Goodmon - a driving force in the rebirth of Durham - talks about what he believes were the keys to the two-decade project. "There's no magic here," he says. The factors include hard work, an active creative class and an increasing diverse population.

As PC manufacturing line opens, Lenovo moves 100 support jobs to NC from India

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:01:38 -0400

As Lenovo formally dedicated its first U.S. production line for PCs, laptops, servers and tablets in the Triad, the company also discloses it recently returned 100 jobs to the U.S. from India as part of an effort to improve customer support.

From needing a ballpark to a city's rebuilding: Jim Goodmon's 'Are you nuts?' Durham story

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:30:57 -0400

New Bull City series: What was the "secret sauce" that ignited the rebirth of Durham over the past 20 years? There's no secret or even a mystery to the recipe, says Capitol Broadcasting CEO Jim Goodmon, who has helped lead the efforts in recreating Durham. He cites hard work, the city's diversity and a community spirit as making up the foundation for the "New Bull City." But he started with no master plan. He just needed a place for his Durham Bulls to play baseball.

Lenovo acknowledges it's looking at 'potential joint venture'

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:20:09 -0400

As Lenovo gears up for an open house on Wednesday in the Triad, in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the world's No. 2 PC maker says it is "in preliminary negotiations with a party in connection with a potential joint venture transaction." What firm is the other party? Speculation ranges from NEC to BlackBerry to IBM.

Speculation grows that Lenovo is raising cash to buy IBM server group

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 06:57:00 -0400

The world's No. 2 PC maker is meeting with investors this week to raise capital through the sale of bonds amid growing indications that Lenovo wants the money in order to buy at least part of IBM's server business. But selling the bonds may not be easy.

Long before dirt moves, RTP Foundation gathering to help shape Park's future look

Fri, 31 May 2013 12:12:34 -0400

A gathering of global architectural and other thought leaders this weekend will provide RTP leaders with feedback and ideas about how the Park should be "re-invented."

Lenovo goes bond route to raise cash; acquisition in the works?

Fri, 31 May 2013 09:40:33 -0400

With its cash reserves having dwindled $303 million over the past year, Lenovo is launching a fund-raising drive next week with a bond sale. Raising more money provides further evidence that Lenovo is prepping for another acquisition. Is the IBM server unit still a possibility?

'Creativity Vitality Index' shows New Bull City's muscle

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:01:37 -0400

As WRALTechWire continues its multi-part series about "The New Bull City," today's report focuses on the culture of creativity at the heart of a rebirth dating back two decades. A "Creative Vitality Index" documents Durham's growth beyond tech and medicine.

NC Biotech Center braces for worst as Senate slashes budget, too

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:12:48 -0400

A Senate budget calls for a 50 percent cut in funding for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. While not as bad as Gov. Pat McCrory's 60 percent slash, the Senate's total would mean big reductions for the Center. It's also a nasty indicator that major cuts are coming with two of the three budget players supporting a substantial reduction. Can the House save the day?

ArchiveSocial, a new Durham success story, brings home international award

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:05:35 -0400

Bringing order to the chaos of social media record keeping is the goal of Durham-born and based startup ArchiveSocial. An example of the New Bull City's emerging reputation as a home for successful tech startups, the company came home a winner in the "Top 50" competition put on by TiE organization. And its CEO is thankful for the support his firm has received from others across its home town.

Durham's high-tech infrastructure, talent lure Virginia company

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:32:48 -0400

The New Bully City is the new home for Nuvotronics, a high-tech manufacturing firm that uprooted itself from Virginia and transplanted itself among the high-tech infrastructure of Durham. CEO Noel Heiks explains why she and husband David Sherrer, who is company president, decided to call Durham home even though they received no tax incentives to do so.

Lenovo acknowledges layoffs in Morrisville as part of shift to 'PC Plus' strategy

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:22:51 -0400

"Some" job cuts are made in staff at the executive headquarters of the world's No. 2 PC maker as it continues to transition to a more diversified lineup of products, a corporate spokesperson says.

Raleigh-based PRA International eyes public offering

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:24:35 -0400

Another life science services firm in the Triangle, PRA International, may follow in the footsteps of a bigger rival - Quintiles - by offering stock in order to raise capital. Just two years ago, PRA was at the center of takeover rumors in the range of $1 billion.

Will lightning strike again for veteran entrepreneur Brian Handly at StepLeader?

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:24:34 -0400

As the Raleigh-based apps developer raises its first venture funding, its CEO Brian Handly talks about what's coming next at StepLeader. He has big, big plans. Handly also discusses the state of fundraising, which can be quite difficult these days.

Raleigh app developer StepLeader lands $4.4M in first fund raiser

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:24:05 -0400

The Raleigh-based startup, which is a spinout from Capitol Broadcasting's New Media Group, raises its first round of venture funding with two local firms participating. Its CEO invests as well. And the company has big growth plans. WRALTechWire Insiders can get the full story.

IBM opens Linux center in China, says it will work with Red Hat

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:13:04 -0400

Big Blue is further expanding an already large presence in China with a new Linux-focused center in Beijing. And it says the world's top Linux developer, Red Hat, will be involved as well as Red Hat rival SUSE.

Red-hot Raleigh startup WedPics hauls in $1.1M in funding

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:11:58 -0400

As more people download their app to post wedding photo albums, the WedPics team should consider having a party themselves. But there's no honeymoon at hand for CEO Justin Miller and his growing team. WRALTechWire Insiders get all the details in an exclusive interview with Miller.

New Triangle venture capital firm slowly emerging from shadows

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:33:51 -0400

The two co-founders of the Triangle's newest venture capital firm won't talk - yet - about what they are doing. But we have some salient details about who they are, their focus, and what this means for the capital-starved southeast.

Titans of tech seek to excite UNC, Duke grads about a future beyond themselves

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:15:00 -0400

In graduation speeches at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill respectively, Melinda Gates and Steve Case point to technology as a tool to build a better world. Will the graduates listen?

Triangle politician tries to accelerate crowdfunding; bill passes first hurdle

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:37:12 -0400

Rep. Tom Murry, a businessman and Republican from Morrisville, along with three others, is pushing legislation to help entrepreneurs raise money while the SEC wrestles with implementation of the JOBS Act that was passed last year. Read about the bill, who backs it - and which Republican is a powerful opponent.

ChannelAdvisor seeks $80M, sets share target price for IPO

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:25:20 -0400

Seeking to cash in on the recent run of the bulls to stock market record highs, ChannelAdvisor prices its IPO and looks to sell 5.75 million shares. What's the price range? What would ChannelAdvisor do with the money? We've got the details.

IT job openings 28% below 2012 numbers, report shows

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:59:42 -0400

The latest IT Job Trends report from the North Carolina Technology Association shows a slight uptick in advertised openings across the state for April, but the market remains sluggish compared to a year ago. What skills are in most demand? Where is opportunity declining? We've got the numbers.

As Quintiles' Gillings rings opening bell, SciQuest CEO recalls the feeling

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:16:46 -0400

Dennis Gillings, who started Quintiles in a trailer more than 30 years ago, rings the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange today to celebrate the giant's return to public markets. Stephen Wiehe, who led SciQuest through a similar private-to-public Odyssey, recalls the "humbling" ringing bell honor.