AOL to close Seattle office |
Register here for our next TechFlash Live networking event, March 23, featuring an expert panel discussing the future of online advertising.
AOL to close Seattle office
AOL -- which is making the transition to an independent company this week after its failed merger with Time Warner-- plans to close its Seattle office over the next four months. About 30 people -- many of whom work on mobile products such as Mobile Mail and Mobile AIM -- are losing their jobs as a result of the closure, according to a source familiar with the plans.
Representatives at AOL did not return emails or calls seeking comment. But the decision does raise questions about AOL's commitment to mobile initiatives now that one of the core offices providing those technologies is shutting down.
Our source -- who asked that his name not be used -- indicated that AOL's mobile plans are now up in the air.
AOL established a beachhead in Seattle after purchasing the text input startup Tegic Communications in 1999. It later added to the office through the purchase of Wildseed in 2005, a deal that didn't quite work out as planned.
Employees were notified of the closure late last month, with a handful being offered relocation packages to Silicon Valley.
At one point, more than 150 people worked in the Seattle office though that number has dwindled over the years after AOL divested the Tegic and Wildseed assets.
John Cook is co-founder of TechFlash. Follow on Twitter @johnhcook.
About John Cook
John Cook is co-founder and executive editor of TechFlash. He has been covering the technology beat for nearly a decade, writing about startups, entrepreneurs and venture capital, most recently serving as a reporter/blogger at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
READ FULL BIOGRAPHYRecent Sponsor Posts
Technology Tax Planning – Did You Take The Deduction?
Technology companies require professional advisors who can assist in all aspects of the business. The BDO Technology Practice provides a full range of services tailored to help address the changing needs of domestic and international companies. In addition to core audit and tax services, BDO professionals can assist technology companies with:
· Revenue recognition
· Business combination accounting
· R&D tax credits
· Compensation and benefits
· Business valuations
Backed by 38 national offices and an international network in 110 countries, we have the domestic and global footprint to serve growing technology companies. Contact sphilpott@bdo.com (audit partner), mreeves@bdo.com (audit partner), psmith@bdo.com (tax partner), tzambito@bdovaluation.us.com (valuation), tfiscus@bdo.com, Director, 206.624.2020
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.
Job Listings
- Principal Program Manager - Health Solutions Group - 711442
- Microsoft Corporation
- Software Development Engineer, Senior - SQL - External - 708993
- Microsoft Corporation
- Senior Staff Engineer - Printer & Scanner
- Intellectual Ventures
- Account Executive- Hospital - WA/OR
- RF Technologies
- Installer / Technician
- Northstar Broadband
