Cisco, the world's largest maker¹ of computer networking equipment, will cut its workforce² by as much as 9%, trimming 6,500 jobs.

思科公司，世界上最大的计算机网络设备生产商，将裁员9%，即6500个工作岗位。

The move is part of plans announced in May that aim to cut as much as $1bn (£622m) from Cisco's annual costs.

It also said it will sell a Mexican subsidiary（子公司） to Foxconn Technology Group.

Cisco is facing increased competition, and said it needs to overhaul³ the way it operates and focus on core businesses.

Restructuring

Chief executive officer John Chambers⁴ said earlier this year that Cisco would look to exit non-performing or less profitable businesses, and refocus on its core networking operations.

Analysts⁵ have complained that the company expanded into too many areas at the expense of its main markets.

In May, Mr Chambers announced his intention to shut Cisco's Flip⁶ video camera unit resulting in 550 job losses.

The process of repositioning the business is set to continue in the coming months.

As part of the planned job cuts, 15% of employees who are at vice-president level and above will be trimmed. Cisco said that 2,100 employees of the planned 6,500 have elected for a voluntary early-retirement programme.

The company said it will pay all the affected⁷ employees severance⁸ pay（解雇费） and give them help to find other employment.

Cisco does not expect any job losses to come from its plans to sell its television set-top box manufacturing facility in Juarez, Mexico.

Instead, 5,000 employees will be transferred to contract manufacturer Foxconn in the first three months of the 2012 fiscal⁹ year.