Demand still strong for Net workers despite layoffs.(Internet)(Industry Trend or Event)

GeoCities and Netscape Communications are laying people off at the same time as companies such as Merrill Lynch & Co and Charles Schwab & Co are hiring new employees. An industry observer explains, citing acquisitions as a reason. He says the merger of Yahoo and GeoCities, similar media companies, caused GeoCities' layoffs. He says the hiring at Merrill Lynch results from a broader trend that involves integrating e-commerce into mainstream companies.

While GeoCities and others trim staff, Merrill Lynch, Schwab to add hundreds

ACQUISITIONS ARE DRIVING layoffs at GeoCit