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Database management giant Since its 1984 founding by tech-whizzes Mark Hoffman and Robert Epstein, Sybase has grown to become one of the largest software companies in the world. Based in Emeryville, California, Sybase was the first company to offer high-performance relational database management systems, which allow many users simultaneously to access information. Specializing in databases for complex UNIX systems, Sybase raked in big profits when it teamed up with Microsoft in 1994, which co-developed and sold the company's tools. Sybase soon succumbed to stealthy cyber-competitors Oracle and Informix, however, and the company was forced to downsize and restructure in 1995. That year, Hoffman was ousted as chairman. The company acquired Powersoft, an applications development tool specialist, for $950 million the same year. Rough times With the acquisition, the company pushed its Powersoft-branded products, which focused on the development tools market. Sybase, however, ran into other troubles. In 1997, the company was forced to lay off 600 workers, and suffered a $60 million loss and a slump in its stock price in January 1998, when it was revealed that Sybase's Japanese subsidiary had misreported earnings considerably. Chairman and CEO Mitchell Kertzman left the company that year, and John Chen took over as the new leader. Righting the ship Chen quickly initiated a restructuring program. First, he made a strong move into the data warehousing market by buying Home Financial Network, and he vowed to increase the company's support of its embedded applications in order to prepare for anticipated increased competition. The company also continued to ready its enterprise portal architecture, OpenDoor, for a later release. A positive fourth quarter report confirmed the effectiveness of Chen's actions and of the company's international expansion. Sybase's recovery efforts continued in 2000. In March, Sybase released SQL Anywhere Studio 7.0, an update to its market-leading mobile database platform. Subsequent promising first quarter results exhibited a nine percent increase in revenue. In May, the company formed iAnywhere Solutions Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, whose sole purpose was to advance Sybase's mobile and wireless computing technology. Recently cited for "Best Technical Source" in InfoWorld's Product of the Year awards, and bolstered by increasingly encouraging financial reports, Sybase indeed seems to "have risen from the dead," as Mitch Kramer of consulting firm Patricia Seybold Group suggested in February 2000.
Sybase looks for applicants who share the company's commitment to customer service. Visit the "Employment Opportunities" section of Sybase's web site for job openings and descriptions. Send or fax resumes to human resources, or e-mail resumes through the web site. In addition to full-time positions, the company offers three- to six-month co-op and internship opportunities for college students.
Sybase's company culture is as laid-back as its California locale, according to insiders. Dress is casual and work hours are flexible. "I've worn a tie twice in six weeks, and both times at trade shows," says one contact. Also, insiders report that the company is not as hard-driving when it comes to workload as some tech companies. "With some companies, 12- to 14-hour days are expected," one employee notes. "At Sybase, you're not expected to work yourself to death." Nor is "pay stellar," says an employee, who nonetheless "turned down considerably more money and lower-cost-of-living" markets to work at Sybase. Says another insider: "I think the pay is above average, but not the best in the industry." One employee likes the relaxed atmosphere and friendly people so much, "I actually left once for two months, but I came back because I missed the company and culture of Sybase too much!" Employees agree the company is progressive in its treatment of minorities and women; of the company's eight senior officers, there is one woman. "Women can be found at all management levels of Sybase - no glass ceiling here," says one employee. Another says: "As a man, I am actually a minority within the marketing department." Perks include stock options, stock purchase plans, excellent benefits, and a management level that "genuinely cares about employees."
Human Resources
Computer Associates;IBM;Informix;Microsoft;Oracle More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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