HP Laserjet Labs up for review?

I HATE TO BE THE ONE to throw cold water on the news coming out of HP this week, but there could be some bad news to relate. Sources tell the INQ that the LaserJet Lab is undergoing one of the New HP style re-examination, or chunks of it could be. These sources allege that HP is cutting the R&D of one of its most lucrative lines.

The lab had its budget cut from $160 million to $100 million, and last week, the sources claimed that 70% of the PDL was outsourced. The same sources claimed 35 or so of the 50 people got the boot, along with some testers. If these reports are true, there will be some questions such as: Basic research? Why? This is the new HP. Wait, wasn't that whole philosophy thoroughly debunked a few days ago?

The sources also claim LaserJet firmware is said to be split into two groups, mono laser and multi-function. Where they are going is the stuff of rumour and speculation, but we have a good grasp of what may be happening. HP is hiring a lot of firmware engineers in China right now, so that place is a good candidate. WiPro is also doing a bunch of MPF firmware work, so it could also end up there. Either way, if you work in Boise, you should look out to see if you have a target on your back.

According to the speculation, such heavy cuts are scheduled to take place in March. If any of that is true, there is no way I can even attempt to spin this as a bright move, but there could be two upsides.

The first is that there is time for the new management to avoid such a catastrophe. They can change things if they act now. But if there are people on the chopping block, they outlasted Carly, so they can at least smile a bit. µ