SAN JOSE – Sun Microsystems will cut up to 18% of its global workforce – an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 jobs – in a move aimed at cutting annual costs by $700 million to $800 million.

The company said it would take restructuring charges of up to $600 million over the next year, with as much as $450 million coming in the current fiscal year. This extends to eight years the company's streak of taking so-called "one-time" charges, a stretch in which Sun has absorbed some $2 billion in charges.

Sun said it will split its software division into three new business groups, but added no spin-offs or sales are planned.