MS makes unspecified number of job cuts

Microsoft said Thursday it was cutting an unspecified number of jobs in marketing and advertising as part of a move to "align" its operations to key priorities. The tech giant gave no specific numbers or details, but the move came after it announced a writedown of $6.2 billion in its online operations. "I can confirm that there were job eliminations today at Microsoft," a spokesman said in a statement. "Like any company, Microsoft continually evaluates its operations and works to align the business to key priorities. I can assure you we're thinking about the exciting new opportunities that Windows 8, Xbox and Skype present for our advertising and marketing partners." Microsoft, which is releasing its Windows 8 operating system in October, said last week it would take the massive writedown related to the 2007 acquisition of aQuantive, a digital advertising firm aimed at helping Microsoft compete against Google and others. The charge, to be reflected in the company's upcoming earnings report, is required under accounting rules to reflect a lower value or so-called "goodwill impairment."