Novell trims Asian jobs

The Asian arm of networking software maker Novell has cut 21 percent of its work force, following its parent company's decision to slash about 19 percent of its jobs. Provo, Utah-based Novell said in a statement Thursday that it would reduce 1,400 jobs globally and undergo restructuring to restore profitability in the face of poor market conditions. Novell has 96 people in its Asia operations, said Novell Asia managing director Cliff Smith.

Smith said the cuts in Asia were primarily in administration and management positions and that customer support and technical support workers were unaffected. However, he declined to specify which management positions were affected.

Staff writer Anand Menon reported from Singapore.