Foundry Networks Reviews

Pros

Loved it there wish i never left.

Cons

long hours but pay was worth it

Advice to Senior Management

Wish they did not sell

Pros

Strong technology leadership in enterprise switches.

Cons

Difficulty in getting sufficient time off.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep an appropriate balance for employee work and home life.

Pros

Foundry has been the industry leader in producing quality switches. It is an innovative company that pushes technical boundaries with their products. The company has managed to do well even in a very competitive market with behemoths such as Cisco, Juniper, and, F5 trying to squeeze out other players. It is financially stable and poised for growth.
The company pays well and attracts quality engineering talent as a result of it. The benefits package satisfies almost everyone in the company.

Cons

Foundry is a smaller player in the networking industry. Engineering experience at Foundry does not compare too highly against technical credentials and certifications from Cisco.
There isn't too much slack in the Foundry work force, and hence almost everyone has to work very hard. The company is about to be acquired by Brocade, which will probably bring major changes to its management structure.
Foundry still operates like a start-up. This is good for innovation, but bad for product quality management.

Advice to Senior Management

Management needs to dramatically improve corporate communications. Knowledge sharing needs to be a focus, along with quality in every aspect of the companies products and processes. We need to start viewing ourselves as a mature corporation that can take on the industry leaders.

Pros

Pay and benefits. There is a great culture here and it feels like family. People know your name, they feed us quite well. The benefits are good although the 401k could be much better. Stock has been good to me...bonues are generous

Cons

Micro managing from exec level down...too much control and not autonomous. There is also a lack of some back office systems that are needed greatly. There is a lot of old tyme things that should not be taking place in this day and age. Other than that, things are ok. i would like to see some upgrades in IT though.

Advice to Senior Management

Thank you for selling the company as my options are now worth something! Woo Hoo!!!

Pros

Foundry networks is a Technology Innovator and a leader in the core routing and switching arena. Unlike many of our competitors, this company is financially sound with no debt and money in the bank. My coworkers are some of the most technically competent in the business. I have rarely worked with a more competent set of engineers in my career. Foundry employees have a reputation in the industry of being highly skilled. The hiring process is lengthy, but that is because they want to hire employees for life. Many of my co-workers have been here for over 5 years, which is a long time in this industry.

Cons

Small company - like a small town. Many decisions are made from the top with limited input from the field. Feedback from the bottom is not viewed very positively and it can lead to an unfavorable view of the employee that provided the feedback.

Advice to Senior Management

Figure out a way to include those nearest to the customers to provide input to senior management.

Pros

Growth Opportunties and leading edge technology development

Cons

Lack of a telecommuting program

Advice to Senior Management

Continue to invest in your employees

Pros

Good benefit. Very stable. Efficient management.

Cons

Can not think of any.

Advice to Senior Management

No

Pros

Good work facility. Interesting work. OK Pay and allowances.

Cons

Management too centralized. Very flat organization.

Advice to Senior Management

Delegate and decentralize.