Adobe Layoff Hits Home

Posted At : December 4, 2008 11:40 AM | Posted By : Jason Delmore
Related Categories: ColdFusion

After the slew of emails I have received from community folks checking to see if I was affected by the layoff, it is clear that I need to post this sooner rather than later. By the way, thanks to all of you that have asked.

I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that ColdFusion is in perhaps it's best position for growth and success in years. The product is healthier today than it has been for years. I have no doubt that Centaur and Bolt will be incredibly successful. The bad news is that I will no longer be a part of that success story.

There were many other folks affected as well, I don't want to forget them. Those that were laid off are obviously affected dramatically, but those that are still with Adobe are left to pickup where everyone else left off and fight the good fight. To everyone that is either still at Adobe or have recently separated, I wish you the very best. You have all been incredible to work with and I am certain the future holds nothing but good news for you.

I have actually been thinking for the past several months that I had achieved what I set out to when I joined Adobe... I wanted to help return CF to it's developer centric roots and make sure that ColdFusion developers had the tools they needed to be successful. Every dream I have had for my role in the company, has been fulfilled. I have been truly fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible talent, both within the company, and the ColdFusion customers and community that I have spent so much time with.

It is time to gather new experiences. If you have any opportunities you hear of, please feel free to send them my way. My personal email address is jason at delmore dot info. If anyone is interested, my updated resume is here. Hey, it never hurts to have more people know what you've done. :)

Now, if I can just get past this nagging itch to do something, I'll probably sit back for a couple weeks and enjoy some Christmas vacation, spend some much needed personal time with my son, and maybe catch up on some open source projects I wanted to donate some time to.

Best wishes to everyone in these tough times, Jason

Comments (66)

Send

Comments (Comment Moderation is enabled. Your comment will not appear until approved.)

[Add Comment]

DAMN! What a huge loss for the company and the product. Best of luck man, i'm sure you'll land somewhere quickly. Please keep us posted.

# Posted By todd sharp | 12/4/08 1:05 PM

Jason, I am sorry to hear that the cuts have affected you. I hope it wasn't sudden and that you were treated fairly. I was made redundant by a company I wont mention (oh what the hell, they were called Nettec) and they did it in a pretty sucky way.

I look forward to your offerings in the community and if there is any way I can pass work on to your fine self, you shall be on the top of my list.

# Posted By Mark Drew | 12/4/08 1:11 PM

Man..... All the best Jason, and thanks for all the cool stuff you've been doing for ColdFusion.

# Posted By Justin Carter | 12/4/08 1:12 PM

This is a huge loss for Adobe and the whole CF Community. I am sure with your skills you will land on your feet quickly, good luck!

# Posted By Dan Vega | 12/4/08 1:15 PM

Jason, I'm so sorry to hear about this. And to think we were just starting to become drinking buddies...

Seriously though, I hope this doesn't spoil the fesitve period too much, and that 2009 brings bigger and better things.

We'll stay in touch!

# Posted By Andy Allan | 12/4/08 1:16 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this news Jason. You have been very impactful to ColdFusion and I'm frankly confused and annoyed that the layoffs have come to mean your departure. Why would Adobe remove such a strategic person from the roster?

.....DW

# Posted By Dan Wilson | 12/4/08 1:17 PM

Sorry this happened to you. Especially during this time of year.

# Posted By Steve Withington | 12/4/08 1:18 PM

Jason,

So sorry to hear the news. With all of the good work you've done while at Adobe, I know you'll land on your feet.

Best of luck...

# Posted By Rob Brooks-Bilson | 12/4/08 1:19 PM

Jason, I am actually pissed off hearing this as someone mentioned it on twitter and linked here. I'm confident that you can bounce back and quite frankly, I think it is Adobe's loss.

# Posted By Todd Rafferty | 12/4/08 1:20 PM

Geesh! That's just awful, especially this time of year, but I wish and your family the best of luck! Thanks for everything you've done for CF and the community! Job well done!

# Posted By Ryan | 12/4/08 1:21 PM

I'm so sad I could cry! I can't believe you and all these other people have been let go. You are such a great asset to the ColdFusion community so I hope you will still stick around in some way. I hope this isn't the last I see of you!
http://tinyurl.com/58n694

# Posted By Liz Frederick | 12/4/08 1:25 PM

Very sorry to hear you have been let go. You have moved ColdFusion forward more in your years as Product Manager than in many years before - thank you for that and congratulations!

I survived the big layoffs when Macromedia bought Allaire but was terminated when Macromedia was bought by Adobe so I know how it goes (at least Adobe has a decent severance package :)

Enjoy your down time and have a happy holiday break!

Good luck with the job hunting in the new year (and please keep the blog going so we can follow your post-Adobe life!).

# Posted By Sean Corfield | 12/4/08 1:28 PM

Take a good break, as Sean said and then do something exciting, there are a lots of things which have been waiting for you.

All the best.

# Posted By Abdul Qabiz | 12/4/08 1:35 PM

Very sorry to hear the news. Best of luck with all things to come.

# Posted By Joshua Cyr | 12/4/08 1:46 PM

Thanks for all you have done. CF has truly excelled and is a far better product now that you have been involved.

# Posted By Eric Hoffman | 12/4/08 1:48 PM

Jason,
This is a huge loss for CF's future, as Sean mentioned earlier you have done a superb job of helping grow the product and keeping us in the community involved, for that we will always be grateful. I hope that whatever the future holds for you that you'll still be a part of the CF Community (CFML Advisory Committee are you listening? hint hint ;) ) but more importantly that it brings you much personal fullfilment.

Stay in touch...Cheers

# Posted By phill.nacelli | 12/4/08 1:49 PM

Very sorry to hear that. Thats a huge loss for Adobe.

You certainly achieved what you set out to.

All the best in the future.

# Posted By Sam Farmer | 12/4/08 1:51 PM

Jason, I am at a loss for words. I hope everything works out for you and your family. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

# Posted By Jeff Coughlin | 12/4/08 1:57 PM

Man, how many more good names are going to be lost.

Said to see you go dude, and I hope this doesn't start the FUD

# Posted By Big Mad Kev | 12/4/08 2:06 PM

Ugh, sorry to hear about this. You've certainly sent the product forward, making sure that it's better positioned due to capabilities as well as its marketing.

# Posted By Joe Rinehart | 12/4/08 2:16 PM

Sad news, I think Adobe made a very bad decision. That said, I have no doubt that you'll jump into something you like very quickly. Please, just don't join the Silverlight team. ;-)

Thanks for all your great work over the years, Jason! I always enjoyed speaking (and drinking beer) with you at the conferences. Hopefully we'll all still be able to cross paths with you in the future!

# Posted By Brian Kotek | 12/4/08 2:24 PM

Jason, best of luck to you, and please keep us posted of your situation on your blog. Its a damn impressive resume, I hope others see the value in it.

Cheers,

Davo

# Posted By David | 12/4/08 2:58 PM

Jason,

Very sorry to see you go, you will be missed.

You have done a great job as the product manager for CF

Good for the future!

# Posted By Mark Mandel | 12/4/08 3:16 PM

Thank you, Jason, for your many years of effort in making CF a great product and helping to keep the focus of CF on developer productivity. You'll be most sorely missed.

# Posted By Brian Klaas | 12/4/08 3:20 PM

Jason, I was very sorry and shocked to hear about this a few hours ago. I'm angry, shocked, and somewhat depressed about this news, and what it will mean for ColdFusion. I'm sure you'll land on your feet, but it's still sad news for the Adobe community. You've done a great job in your tenure, and you will be missed. I'm hoping we'll still see you present at conferences. And if you ever want to be on the CFConversations podcast, let me know! (Jason was part of the uber panel and the Meet the CF Team BOF that were recorded at MAX and will be on the podcast... but the audio quality came out pretty bad, and I've had to spend a lot of time trying to fix them.)

# Posted By Brian Meloche | 12/4/08 3:22 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about the unfortunate news. I hope it all works out for the best---good luck in your new endevors!

# Posted By Richard Davies | 12/4/08 3:35 PM

Hey Jason,

Im glad to see that you are taking your departurewith a positive outlook and I always like to see people thank their employers when they leave, it shows great character.

Wishing you all the best for the future.

# Posted By Dale Fraser | 12/4/08 3:40 PM

This news the past 24 hours or so has been awful... I certainly wish you well. Brighter days are ahead!

# Posted By Joseph | 12/4/08 4:22 PM

unbelievable....!

all the best jason!

# Posted By johnb | 12/4/08 4:23 PM

I, like everyone, am very surprised by this. This is a lost for ColdFusion and Adobe. I just want to say thank you for all your work. ColdFusion has made some great gains because of your efforts.

# Posted By John Mason | 12/4/08 4:23 PM

I'm sad to see you go. And you should update your Amazon wishlist. Seriously, how can we buy you going away presents?

# Posted By Jen Larkin | 12/4/08 4:53 PM

I'm sorry of hearing this, especially because I met you at Adobe Max in Milan on Monday during ColdFusion ORM Session and yo've been one of the best speaker in this event.
Good Luck for your Job Hunting...

# Posted By Luca Bianchi | 12/4/08 5:22 PM

Shit dude, bad luck - hope it works out OK for you.

# Posted By Neil Middleton | 12/4/08 5:39 PM

To me, you were the Adobe face of CF. Made it personable. Thanks for your hard work and good luck.

# Posted By Alex Frates | 12/4/08 5:53 PM

Wow, Jason, like everyone else has said, the news is definitely a shock, but it's great to see you taking it so well. CF8 (and the pending Centaur) have been great releases, and you've been at the helm of the ship. Thanks for steering it so well for us, and best wishes in whatever is your next port of call.

# Posted By Charlie Arehart | 12/4/08 6:51 PM

Really sorry. :(

Best luck for your future life!

# Posted By O?uz Demirkap? | 12/4/08 8:16 PM

I'm really very sad Jason and wishing you all the very best for your future.

# Posted By Akbarsait | 12/4/08 9:53 PM

Jason, this is a shock and as others have said here, you have been very instrumental in pushing ColdFusion to new heights of recognition and developer support. It is very annoying that we are all being affected by the greedy crooks in the financial sector but there is little we can do about that, but crooks they were and are. At this point as an independent contractor I can do little more that wish you all the best and keep my ear to ground for any opportunities that might surface. Enjoy your Christmas and your family, it has been great getting to know you.

# Posted By Mike Brunt | 12/4/08 10:41 PM

Sorry to hear that, Jason. You've done a tremendous job with the product and in the community. Best of luck!

# Posted By Mark Phillips | 12/5/08 12:21 AM

Best of luck in your new endeavors Jason. I just know that sometimes the best gifts are wrapped in a way in which we do not expect them to be.

# Posted By Luis Majano | 12/5/08 1:27 AM

Jason! Say it isn't so! My coworker and I met you and spent some time with you at Max San Fran, and you were very inspiring. In fact, probably the most inspiring CF guy in the whole conference. Very sorry to hear about this - have some well deserved family time!

# Posted By Tony | 12/5/08 1:30 AM

Jason,

Sorry to hear that you have been laid off. Someone of your skill should't find it too hard to get a good job. Adobe product manager on your resume doesn't hurt either I guess :).

Was nice to finally meet you at Adobe.

# Posted By Gary Gilbert | 12/5/08 3:24 AM

Sorry to hear your news Jason. I was lucky enough to have a brief chat with you at Scotch on the Rocks and know that not only have you done a great job with CF but that you're also a really nice guy!

Really hope the new year brings bigger and better things for you.

# Posted By John Whish | 12/5/08 4:03 AM

Jason,

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do next. If you are in the UK any time be sure to get in touch. I was really happy that CF was in good hands and I am hoping that someone is keeting up the good work.

Kevin Roche - Manager TVCFUG

# Posted By Kevin Roche | 12/5/08 5:17 AM

Jason,

really sorry to hear about that. You were always fair and open for discussions to us and I appreciate it. Take care and all the best for the future. Whereever that is!

Now have fun with your son! And have a peaceful xmas!

Gert

# Posted By Gert Franz | 12/5/08 6:29 AM

Hey Jason,

Really sorry to hear the news - both for you and for Adobe as they're losing a great member of the team. I really didn't know much about you when you took over the role, but between chatting at conferences and seeing where Centaur is going (the most exciting release to date) it's clear that you had a huge positive impact.

Best wishes for your transition to the next opportunity, and please keep in touch by posting to your blog. I know we'd all like to hear what you're up to!

Best Wishes,
Peter

# Posted By Peter Bell | 12/5/08 6:53 AM

That sux for you Jason, but I'm sure you'll easily find a new role suitable for your abilities, which are significant.

But can I touch on one "business" thing here no-one seems to have touched on yet.

Adobe just laid-off their ColdFusion Product Manager?? WTF???? What sort of message does that send?

--
Adam

# Posted By Adam Cameron | 12/5/08 9:22 AM

Jason I'm so sorry to see you go, Adobe is losing a super smart and super cool product manager! Thank you for everything you've done for CF over the past few years, and I wish you all the best in your future. I'm sure it's going to be bright!

# Posted By Rachel Lehman | 12/5/08 9:48 AM

Jason,

I'm a bit baffled why they swung the axe in your direction, and tho I'm sure you'll do fine, I'd have much preferred that you continued to do fine for *us*. You leave some pretty big shoes behind-- it'll be hard to find someone nearly as interested, engaged, and effective as you were.

Good luck in the future..!

--Daryl

PS "Happy Holidays from Adobe!"... >.<

# Posted By Daryl Banttari | 12/5/08 10:18 AM

Best of luck for the future

# Posted By Brendan | 12/5/08 10:44 AM

Jason,
That's terrible news, I'm sorry for you and worried for the CF community. Your influence has been very much appreciated and you've taken CF in a great direction. Very sorry to see you go but wish you all the best in the future...please keep the blog going.

# Posted By Jay | 12/5/08 11:44 AM

Jason,

I'm really sorry to hear this. I'd like to thank you for your time, effort, support and help over the last 2 years.

I wish you all the very best; I know that you will do well in whatever job you decide to take on next!

Darren

# Posted By Darren Pywell | 12/5/08 5:24 PM

Jason, it was a big shock for me to hear the news - but I'm confident that you'll find something new very soon. I wish you the bests of luck.

David

# Posted By David Tattersall | 12/7/08 10:58 AM

Jason, very sad to hear this. Hope things work out well for you. Best wishes.

# Posted By Peter Boughton | 12/8/08 2:05 AM

Jason,

I don't know you and never worked with CF. But I was very impressed about the highly professional manner of how this blog was written. No hatred toward your former employer, no dirty laundry, etc. It's sad news, but just by reading this blog entry, I can clearly see that you are a good person, an experience software engineer. People like you don't even need to apply for unemployment benefits. You'll find a new job soon. I'm confident. Good luck!

Yakov Fain

# Posted By Yakov Fain | 12/8/08 9:03 AM

The timing sucks. It should become an offence to make staff redundant during December. Jason, thank you for the support you provided me with - you probably don't remember as you got involved helping and talking to so many CF customers. Wouldn't suprise me if one of them offered you a job! :-) Best of luck and keep us informed via your blog. I'm confident you'll have something to announce by Christmas.

# Posted By Gary Fenton | 12/8/08 3:24 PM

Never thought to see you go before Tibet Independence! Gosh!!! The next Boston "cold tea" is on me, clearly!!!

# Posted By john zhu | 12/8/08 7:43 PM

What a bummer. I hope you trained a good replacement because the product was really getting better and better with the last couple revisions.

Good luck in your future endeavors. Maybe NewAtlanta needs to hire a senior product manager or brand manager for OpenBD support and services ..

# Posted By Eric Knipp | 12/9/08 10:14 AM

I just wanted to thank everyone for your kind comments. I have no idea what the future will bring for me, but no matter what happens I know I have made some incredible friendships over the past two and a half years. This experience has helped me to recognize those friendships. I will definitely keep the blog going, heck, I may even have time now to improve it! :)

Best wishes to everyone!
Jason

# Posted By Jason Delmore | 12/10/08 4:06 PM

"For the full year, Adobe earned $871.8 million, or $1.59 per share." Adobe earn so much money and still layoff people. The CEO Shantanu Narayen is really bad and lousy. It treat employee no respect. What a lousy CEO, Shantanu Narayen and company.

# Posted By james | 12/16/08 6:37 PM

I was laid off after more than 15 years with Adobe. Loyalty is no longer rewarded I guess. And the pitiful severance package requires you to agree to the following (exact quote):

"I agree that I will not, at any time in the future, make any disparaging statements about the Company, its products or its employees, unless such statements are made truthfully in response to a subpoena or other legal process."

Scrooge is well and alive at Adobe.

# Posted By Mark Yelka | 12/17/08 10:57 PM

Stupid move by Adobe. Fire clowns like John Dowell, divert his wages back to you, move forward.

Just my 2c.

# Posted By Monica | 12/19/08 7:55 PM

Lets hope and see if these foolish practices change with the new administration.

# Posted By Hypnosis | 2/2/09 12:12 AM

That is rotten news! Thanks heaps for your efforts with ColdFusion and best of luck!

# Posted By Peter Tilbrook | 2/13/09 7:28 PM

Just realised that Sean Corfield was let go when the Macromedia/Adobe merger happened. Why is Adobe letting such talented and hardworking (not to mention world famous) people go? Sean even became a US citizen - no easy task as he blogged. Jason I sincerely hope they include you in the credits for ColdFusion 9 (Centaur).

# Posted By Peter Tilbrook | 2/26/09 7:53 PM

@Peter, I'll clarify what happened for anyone reading this who might be confused by your comment.

At the time of the acquisition (of Macromedia by Adobe), I was Senior Architect for the IT division. Although I reported to the head of the Web Team, I'd spent much of my previous two years there working with the ERP team, helping roll out Oracle Applications. I'd spent that last summer working with Flash Player QA team, helping with the ActionScript compiler/runtime test suite for what would become AS3 and FP9 (I have a background in compiler and language design and therefore large test suites for them).

Adobe had its own IT systems already in place and it was fairly clear that their ERP/CRM systems would subsume the corresponding Macromedia systems. Since Adobe's systems were already designed and in place, there was no need for my position.

I took up a transition project (re-architecting LiveDocs - which went live about a year later) and started talking to different teams in Adobe about possible post-transition roles.

In the end, I took a team lead role in the Hosted Services division, working on behind-the-scenes stuff for things like ConnectNow and Share. The Adobe environment didn't suit me so, after a reorganization in the division, I resigned and went freelance and then joined a startup.

So, Adobe didn't actually let me go - I left them - although the position I'd held with Macromedia was eliminated in the acquisition (and I could have taken severance instead of picking up a new role).

# Posted By Sean Corfield | 2/28/09 2:28 PM

[Add Comment]