Layoffs appear to be the next phase of Dell’s “voluntary separation program,” according to The Register. The Austin computer maker reportedly plans to axe 20 percent of its U.S. marketing and sales force, and 30 percent of them in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The site estimates that as many as 9,000 Dell employees may get the boot, a figure the company reportedly denies but does not offer a correction for. “We asked Dell about this. It said our percentages were wrong (but didn't reveal whether too low or too high),” The Register said. The company issued a statement, neither confirming nor denying any coming layoffs.

Dell continuously evaluates and implements opportunities to improve our operational effectiveness and allocate our resources,” the company said. “When necessary, we’ll continue to make tough decisions to help ensure our long-term success – some of these decisions may affect our workforce.

Business Insider notes that Dell could be required by law to give a notice before layoffs begin in the U.S. Typically, those notices require 60 days’ warning. The news may be good for other area tech companies, though. “Dell’s pain could be your gain” said the Austin Business Journal, suggesting that any Dell layoffs could send needed talent to other Central Texas companies.