Re: FWD: Sterling Software

[Keith Arnett <keith_arnett -at- RESTON -dot- OMD -dot- STERLING -dot- COM>]

     Well, this list is truly amazing...imagine seeing your own employer
     mentioned as a TCOM threat....

     I am, in fact, a technical writer for the Operations Management
     Division of Sterling Software.  I am happy to say that it is the best
     company I have ever worked for (and that covers 25+ years of
     experience).

     Sterling Software is comprised of 11 different divisions, spread out
     over three groups.  Each division is set up as an independent business
     unit, and so has a reasonable amount of autonomy in its operations.
     For example, we in OMD source all our docs in FrameMaker/Windows, but
     our colleagues in the VM Division use Interleaf on Solaris.  Your
     company has been acquired by the Application Development Division,
     which I personally don't know much about.

     However, it is my observation that Sterling Software purchases
     companies not only for their technology but for the knowledge base of
     their technical development and support personnel.  In my opinion,
     those in the most jeopardy are the sales folks, as Sterling Software
     has a very large and established global sales network.

     For example. the Applications Management Division purchased Texas
     Instruments's software division about a year ago, and this did result
     in some layoffs, but my understanding is that these were primarily in
     "redundant" sales and management positions.

     The overall corporate culture of Sterling Software is extremely
     positive, and a high level of ethical and professional behavior is
     expected and adhered to.  My personal guess is that you have an
     excellent chance of retaining your job, although there may be some
     bumps as you will probably be required to conform to whatever
     publishing tools and standards are used by ADD.

     Feel free to contact me off-list if you'd like to chat further.

     Regards (and good luck)

     Keith Arnett
     Technical Writer
     Sterling Software, Inc./Operations Management Division
     Reston VA USA






______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: FWD: Sterling Software
Author:  "Eric J. Ray" <ejray -at- RAYCOMM -dot- COM> at INTERNET
Date:    6/23/98 11:20 AM


Name withheld upon request. Please reply on list.

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My company, Synon, has been acquired by Sterling Software. So, they say
that layoffs are inevitable, but are trying to convince us that
engineering (of which the writers are a part) is pretty safe. But I'm
wondering how documentation departments usually fare in mergers and
acquisitions. Anybody out there been through this, before?

And, on a more individual note...any Sterling Software doc people out
there? If so, is there anything you can share about what it's like working
for that company? Should I be worried?