NEW YORK, Nov 14: Sun Microsystems Inc. announced on Friday it was cutting up to 6,000 jobs as the global economic crisis drives down demand for its computer servers.

Sun said it was cutting 15 to 18 per cent of its global workforce, or 5,000 to 6,000 jobs, to “align its cost model with the global economic climate.”

A company spokeswoman said the majority of the layoffs, the second round of job cuts at the Santa Clara, California, firm since May, will be in the United States.

The restructuring, which will involve charges of some $500 to $600 million over the next 12 months, should result in savings of some $700 to $800 million a year, Sun said.

Sun also announced the departure of Rich Green, head of its software division, and a reorganisation to allow the company to “accelerate the introduction of compelling open source innovations.”—AFP