Computer Associates to Trim 900 Jobs

Computer Associates International Inc., the fifth-largest software maker, said it will cut its staff by 900 jobs, or about 5%, as orders decline and a reorganized sales force needs fewer people.

The move will reduce the work force to 17,000, the company said. Most of the jobs will be eliminated in North America. Computer Associates makes security, database and systems management software for mainframe and other corporate computers.

The Islandia, N.Y.-based company changed its sales and accounting systems late last year and introduced a new branding and marketing campaign early this year. It declared during a bitter midyear proxy fight with billionaire Texan Sam Wyly that it was better positioned to boost sales and profit. Shareholders in August rejected Wyly’s bid for four of 10 board seats.

Computer Associates said the reductions will cost $20 million, almost all of it to be taken as a charge in the December quarter, spokeswoman Lisa Savino said.