If I recall correctly they linked a bunch of powermacs together with FireWire.

Layoffs are common very large companies because of how they operate.

Although they start as innovative companies once they hit a certain size threshold internal inertia prevents any significant innovation.

In order to maintain growth they must buy smaller innovative companies and capitalize on the innovation using their vaster resources.

After they have sucked every last bit of money the purchased innovation, they layoff employees they purchase with the innovative company and all those they added in its ramp up.

They then go on the hunt to purchase the next smaller innovative company.

Mega corporations are a parasite on the economy.