Rosetta Stone, the makers of the bright yellow language-learning software announced layoffs on Tuesday. The company has made 70 cuts so far, most of which are affecting the Harrisburg, VA office. Rosetta Stone’s Arlington office will also suffer due to its loss of nine positions.
Although these layoffs are taking place, Rosetta Stone plans to open new offices in San Francisco and Austin, Texas where talent is rampant. The company also plans to create and implement new language software specifically designed for children and for intermediate and advanced English speakers. These new offices will employ over 100 people. A Rosetta Stone spokesperson claimed that due to shifts in technology – in this case, moving from a CD-ROM version to an online subscription – layoffs are necessary in order to combat the company’s newer products.
