Open source model impacts EnterpriseDB staff

The open source model has taken its toll on a number of EnterpiseDB staff. The company recently laid off some sales workers and under performers, as it realigns its business.

According to CEO Andy Astor, EnterpriseDB has enjoyed a strong recent run. “We are in the middle of our best quarter ever,” Astor said. “We are in extremely good shape right now.”

At the same, the company faces a set of realities shared by a number of open source software makers. Customers in search of open source code tend to go looking for product on their own rather than waiting for a salesman to knock on the door. These same customers then trial the software and often make the purchase decisions without ever even talking to a salesperson. We’ve discussed this phenomenon on a number of occasions during Open Season.

So, EnterpriseDB has gotten rid of some US salespeople located in remote offices. The company will instead focus on sales generated through its home office.

In addition, EnterpriseDB has let go of some workers with “performance issues” after a recent reexamination of its business.

One source told The Register that EnterpriseDB laid off as much as 25 per cent of its 50 person US staff. Astor said that figure was incorrect, and declined to provide a specific layoff number, although he did confirm that there were some firings.

Looking forward, Astor threatened to wow the world with a flood of partner and customers announcements next quarter that back his claims about EnterpriseDB’s momentum. But then, what else would you expect him to say? ®