As it merges its products, Google reduces staff at the mapping software Waze
According to an email from the director of the mapping division, Google parent company Alphabet is eliminating positions at the mapping software Waze as it integrates the business with its own map offerings, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
In order to streamline operations, Google announced in December that it will combine the Waze and Google Maps teams. As a result, Waze will become a part of the Google Geo group, which manages Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View among other real-world mapping products.
According to the CNBC article, which cited the email from Chris Phillips, who is in charge of the Geo business, the firm is changing its Waze strategy to include Google advertisements rather of use a different marketing system, which will lead to layoffs.
According to Phillips, Google will inform partners and advertisers about the change on Wednesday.
Google, which paid around $1.3 billion to purchase Waze in 2013, did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Reuters.
