Startup guru Don Dodge among those let go in Microsoft cuts |
Follow the ups and downs of a new Seattle startup in a series of behind-the-scenes posts by its founders.
Don Dodge
Don Dodge, who served as director of business development for Microsoft's Emerging Business Team, is among those losing a job in the software giant's layoff announcement of 800 employees today. In a blog post, Dodge writes that the layoff came as a total surprise and the management didn't offer an explanation.
"This is pretty standard procedure, mostly for legal reasons, but none the less left me with a cold feeling...but only for a minute or two," he writes. "Today I start thinking about the next chapter in my life."
Dodge is well known in startup circles, and for several years helped build bridges between Microsoft and the venture capital/startup communities. He previously worked at Napster, AltaVista and GrooveNetworks, and his layoff has already sparked some chatter in the blogosphere asking what Microsoft is doing.
Xconomy noted Dodge's pink slip as did TechCrunch, with Michael Arrington writing that letting go of Dodge is a "huge mistake" since he "nearly singlehandedly defends the Microsoft brand in a fairly anti-Microsoft developer and user community." Arrington also noted that Dodge is the "face of Microsoft" in the startup community, writing that his opinion of Microsoft dropped a notch today.
Join the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program and get software, support and visibility – at no upfront cost. You’ll benefit from fast and easy access to current Microsoft development tools, platform technology and server products including Visual Studio, Expression Studio, Silverlight, Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Web.
Seattle-based Adhost is a WebsiteSpark hosting partner providing dedicated servers with free Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 licensing for three years to Web developers enrolled in WebsiteSpark. Servers are located in our secure data center with SAS 70 Type II certification, 24x7 technical support and 24x7 client access.
WTIA 15th Annual Industry Achievement Awards
Held on March 4th at the Showbox SODO, this casual event celebrates and recognizes some of the best emerging and established companies in the Washington Tech Industry. The evening will feature a finalist company technology showcase and a variety of coffee, chocolate, and wine samples from local companies. More than 800 attendees are expected to be present at the celebration. Public online voting for Technology Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships will open February 3rd on the WTIA site.
We congratulate the 2010 finalists and look forward to unveiling the winners on March 4th. REGISTER NOW!
Mobile applications are a cutting-edge way to extend your brand’s reach into the hands of consumers 24/7. Increase loyalty and customer engagement by developing a targeted and effective mobile application. Learn the basics about mobile applications by reading our white paper Beyond the iPhone: Engaging Customers with Mobile Applications.
If you’re considering a mobile initiative for Q1-2010, now is the time to get started. The white paper covers: Venturing into Mobile Application Development, Typical Problems to Avoid, and Developing the Solution. Reaxion is a Seattle-based mobile application development company focused on start-to-finish project management and cost-effective development. Download Beyond the iPhone: Engaging Customers with Mobile Applications.