Sun Microsystems Reviews in Melbourne, Australia Area

Pros

The work-life flexibility is great -- as long as the job gets done, no one will be breathing down your neck or checking timesheets to see how late you got in or how early you left. The chance to work with some really brilliant people -- unlike the management hierarchy, even if you are the lowliest pleb, if you are smart and know what you're talking about, the senior technical folks will be willing to share knowledge and discuss issues with you. The opportunity to learn about technology -- lots of neat things happen at Sun, you can always jump into a "virtual team" (in your own time) and contribute and learn lots.

Cons

Management incompetence, a lack of leadership, some technical careers will result in a career plateau -- it is, for example, very difficult to move to the "next level" when you reach the top Tech Support level.

Advice to Senior Management

Execute well, listen to your employees, focus on customer satisfaction, don't chase the short term dollar but instead focus on building the company up to last through the long term.

Pros

Fantastic technology company with great vision. In the past innovation and contrarian thinking has been rewarded and respected. If you have a great idea you almost always have the ability to develop it further. Long term I like to think that we are well positioned in terms of research, development and products.

Cons

Far too many overlay structures and reporting lines and complex global model. The appetite and stimulation of internal innovation has declined and there are not a lot of resources available internally. The marketing efforts of the company are not getting traction in the enterprise market. Senior executives are not getting our message and value proposition.

Advice to Senior Management

Simplify internal structure and processes.

Pros

Focused company with innovative technology, the employees are a great bunch of people who try to help each other.

Cons

flat structure that does not allow for career advancement. ability to tell the bad news with fear of reprisal. Some managers only hire externally within their own image, and unfairly protect these new folk over and above what is right for the company, Hiring people from backgrounds that are not systems related should be questioned.

Advice to Senior Management

Promote and hire from within, show real effort to employee growth. Listen more open to employee feedback. Build in job rotations amongst the seniro manamgement team, to ensure a balanced knowledge toward the business. Never assume that employees are happy, stay proactive on the front foot - there is always something that can be fixed.