Over time RSSD replaced at least some of the custom software programs, which Lucido, Gittus, and Stockton worked on and maintained, with standardized programs that were used by all other RSI subsidiaries.
On January 3, 2003, IT positions were eliminated and Gittus, Stockton, and Derengowski were terminated. Tim Gittus was 46 years old at the time he was terminated, Kevin Stockton was 42, and Sharon Derengowski was 52 years old. Lucido was terminated in June 2003. He was 50 years old at the time. Employees remaining in the department were Eric Stewart, *1308 age 33 at the time, Frank Billotti, age 41 at the time, and Randy Larson, age 48 at the time.
Defendants state that the positions were eliminated because the custom software and local server were replaced inby Billotti, who was 11 years younger than her, and Larson, who was four years younger than her.
The evidence does not support the EEOC's assertion that Derengowski's duties were assumed by Billotti. Stewart testified only to Billotti's current functions as of the time of his deposition and that Billotti's duties remained the same as they were before Derengowski's termination.
With respect to Larson, Derengowski testified that he told her that his job was changed from programmer to RSI administrator and he received training for that job. The EEOC presented evidence that Larson made $34 an hour, whereas Derengowski made only $18.70 and hour. Defendants assert that the higher salary reflects Larson's skills as a computer programmer, which he could use to adapt RSI applications, and that Derengowski did not