Ziff Davis Internet
News & Resources for the IT Reseller
NewsReviewsTech AnalysisCommentarySecurityLinux/Unix
My Account |  

Microsoft Plans to Reorganize; Allchin Out with Vista Release
By John Hazard


Updated: Microsoft will reorganize its operations into three core divisions in an effort to streamline decison-making and time to market.


Microsoft on Tuesday announced a sharp reorganization of the company into three divisions in order to streamline decision making and speed to market.

The software giant will realign several existing units into three core divisions—Platforms and Services; Business; and Entertainment and Devices—that better represent Microsoft’s goals, said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.

ADVERTISEMENT

In addition, Ray Ozzie, Microsoft’s chief technical officer, will assume broader responsibility for developing software based services across all three divisions as the company pushes to offer services and programs alongside competitors Google and Yahoo.

“These changes are designed to align our business groups in a way that will enhance decision-making and speed of execution, as well as help us continue to deliver the types of products and services our customers want most,” Ballmer said.

“By bringing together the software experience and the service experience, we will better address the changing needs of our customers’ digital lifestyles and the new world of work.”

Each new division will be headed by its own president.

Microsoft Platform Products and Services division will oversee the Windows Operating System, corporate server software and MSN Web offerings.

The division will be headed by co-presidents Kevin Johnson and Jim Allchin, currently vice president of Windows development.

“We are focused on creating exciting user experiences and enabling developers to build great applications with the combination of software and software-based services,” Ballmer said.

PointerClick here to read more about Microsoft’s innovations and upcoming products from an eWEEK Q&A; session with Ballmer.

“Our MSN organization has great expertise in innovating quickly and delivering software-based services at scale. The platform groups have great expertise in creating a software platform and user experience that touches millions of people. By combining these areas of expertise, we will deliver greater value to our customers.”

The fusion of software and Web offerings is a play to improve Microsoft’s presence in the Web offerings market, where Google and Yahoo have done so well, Microsoft indicated.

Microsoft Business Division, formerly Information Worker business and Microsoft Business Solutions, will deliver software and software-based services for the business market. Jeff Raikes will serve as president.

Entertainment and Devices, a fusion of the current Home and Entertainment and Mobile and Embedded Devices divisions, will produce devices to deliver media for individuals at work, at home and when they’re mobile, Microsoft said.

The realignment comes as Microsoft prepares for a brisk 18 months of product releases and developments in the midsize business market and hosted solutions.

Microsoft also announced that Allchin will retire by the end of 2006.

“I absolutely love this company, and I am fully engaged in making great products,” Allchin said. “My passion for Microsoft is as strong as ever. While I will call it a day at the end of next year after Windows Vista ships, I’m confident the world-class team of people I’ve been fortunate to work with will ensure we execute on our long-term mission.”

Eric Rudder, the current senior vice president of Microsoft’s server business, was named to a new position—chairman and chief software architect—that reports directly to Bill Gates.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated to add information about the motives behind Microsoft’s reorganization.

PointerCheck out eWEEK.com’s Windows Center for Microsoft and Windows news, views and analysis.

     
Email


TALKBACK

MICROSOFT RESOURCE CENTER
Free Hands-On Training Lab
Find out how key features of SBS 2003 can help you open up a new line of revenue. Register now >>


SBS 2003 Sales Reference Card
This handy reference card contains features at a glance, sales objection handling, pricing guidelines & more. Get it now >>


Microsoft Empower for ISVs rewards your big idea with big benefits and support.
Access key development tools at a low cost to help you develop that idea into an innovative application. Learn more >>



ATTN: SOLUTION PROVIDERS
Autotask makes your IT business run. Better!
  • Manage your entire business from a single integrated system accessed over the web
  • Track and control service tickets, and efficiently dispatch field service techs
  • Monitor and analyze project profitability by project, customer and type
  • Bill by fixed price, time & materials, block hours or retainers
  • Set up workflow rules and automated notifications
  • Nothing to install. Easy to use. Affordable.
Click here ONLY if you want a personalized demo via the web
(North America only, please)


Attention Microsoft Solution Providers!



Want to gain a competitive edge? Try Microsoft Watch – FREE!



Each week you receive:
  • Microsoft News and Insider Information
  • Expert Analysis
  • Code Names of Upcoming MS Products
  • Year-Ahead Calendar, updated monthly



    Click Here to sign up now for your FREE 14 Day Trial to Microsoft Watch.
  •  
  • Add up to $1,200 of value with the new BONUS PACKS.
  • High Performance Storage That Blows Away Competitors.
  • Adaptec Adaptec SATA II RAID Outperforms LSI, Promise, 3Ware
  • Create, manage, and archive all content with EMC
  • Go Pro.Introducing Intel® vPro™ technology.
  • Free on-line courses at Data Center University
  • The Power to Build Great Devices – Windows Embedded
  • Windows gets top EAL 4+ security rating from SAIC.
  • Get the Facts on Linux and Windows Server.
  • Get a FREE Forrester white paper courtesy of Oracle.
  • Free Whitepaper: The future of Identity Management.


  • POPULAR TOPICS
    CHANNEL INSIDER BUYER’S GUIDE
    •Catalog Publishing
    •Dealer Management
    •Order Configuration
    •Price Management
    •Sales Management

    View All >

    CAREER CENTER
    Search the jobs you want & get the info you need – post your resume here today!

    Powered by Dice
    SPECIAL REPORTS
    White Boxes
    MS vs. IBM
    Linux in the Channel
    Network
    CHANNEL RSS FEED
    Stay in the Zone
    Put The Channel Insider on your desktop.
    FREE NEWSLETTERS
    Subscribe to The Channel Insider: Channel News, Reviews, Resources and more.

    Make your selections below:


    Contract Watch

    The Channel Insider Update

    Preferred e-mail format:

    Enter your e-mail:


    view all newsletters >>
    Channel Insider Quick Links
    Ziff Davis Footer Logo