RIM lagert ihren IT-Support zu NCR aus!

WATERLOO — Research In Motion has outsourced its information technology service desk to NCR Corp. as part of its ongoing program to slash expenses by $1 billion.

The change affects about 100 employees globally and is part of the BlackBerry-maker’s long-term plan, announced last March, to reduce its workforce by 5,000 people over a 12-month period.

RIM spokesperson Nick Manning would not comment on the move, saying the company doesn’t specify which departments or geographic areas are affected by its cost-reduction program.

But he did confirm that the company’s streamlining efforts are continuing.

“We are continuing to make changes to our organization as we seek to make operational cost savings of over $1 billion,” he said in an email Friday.

Known primarily for its bank machines and cheque-processing systems, NCR also offers IT maintenance support services. The company, based in the Atlanta area, has a research and development centre in Waterloo.

The layoffs at RIM have been hard on the people affected and their families, and RIM appreciates the support it has received from community partners, said Manning, RIM’s global corporate communications manager.

“These are difficult but necessary changes that will help put us on the right footing to launch BlackBerry 10 at the end of the month and deliver real value for our stakeholders now and in the future,” he said.

RIM had completed three-quarters of its workforce reduction program by Dec. 1, chief financial officer Brian Bidulka said on Dec. 20 during a conference call regarding the company’s third quarter financial results.

That means it still has about 1,250 employees to trim in its fourth quarter, which ends March 1.

The company had 13,400 full-time employees worldwide as of Dec. 1.