Is Microsoft planning massive job cuts in 2009?

Microsoft Corp is considering significant layoffs across its various divisions, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the company's plans.

But plans for the cutbacks have not yet been firmed up and Microsoft could end up finding alternative methods to control costs, the Journal reported on its website.

A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment on layoff rumours. The number of potential job cuts is likely to be far less than the 15,000 positions that have been rumoured in recent weeks, the Journal reported.

Microsoft might announce the job cuts when it reports quarterly earnings next week, the Journal said.

The software giant employs about 91,000 employees globally.

Agencies