Online search portal and media network AltaVista said it expects to exit the online media network business in an attempt to primarily focus on its search portal, according to reports. This restructure will lead to a cut of 225 jobs, roughly one quarter of the company’s staff, the reports said.
The CMGI-owned portal will gradually phase out its branded content channels and personalized pages within the network as part of the restructuring arrangement. Also, the company will consolidate its four California offices into its corporate headquarters in Palo Alto, CA.
The company said that it expects AltaVista North America to reach profitability in the second quarter ending Jan. 31, 2001. It also will undergo a $7.5 million one-time charge this quarter for the restructuring. AltaVista will remain in the free Internet access business, but its global business focus will be search services.
