Pros
Avanade is a strong global player in the Microsoft space. It has very strong relationships with Microsoft and Accenture that lead to significant implementation projects. Avanade has the potential to be the market leader in Microsoft implementations, if it hasn't achieved that position already. If people want to work on these big projects then they will have a hard time finding a better organization. Avanade has been blessed with strong talent that has remained throughout the company's existance. There are very strong friendships throughout the consultant base that facilitate both business and delivery. Avanade is currently reorganizing itself around the realities of the new market conditions as of 2009. This reorganization is probably a wise move.
Cons
Avanade tends to panic a bit when it appears financial goals will not be met. There has been an increasing focus on short term revenue generation at the expense of longer term consultant training and business development when the finances look to be in trouble. Avanade's reorganization is focusing the company more on commoditized work but there is little understanding within the company for how to execute on the reorganization plan. Avanade has gone through several rounds of RIFs this year as a result of the changed market conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to the release of many of Avanade's most talented consultants. The remaining senior people primarily focus on business development or other management functions. Those senior people live in fear for what will happen to their jobs and morale at this point is low. Meanwhile, Avanade has probably RIFed too many employees and will likely have to restart hiring again. This whipsaw effect tends to disorient consultants and build much less loyalty than management assumes. As an aside, the severance packages offered to RIFed employees is surprisingly low. This implies a lack of respect for those who have built the company and an inconsistency with stated company values.
