A new report by Bloomberg News gives what appears to be a clearer picture of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s plan to reshape the company under its new “devices and services” strategy.
Elements of the report are in line with some of the things I’ve been hearing about the impending reorg, with the caveat that none of this has been confirmed. Here are the basics of the reported structure for the company’s engineering groups …
Applications and services: This would include Bing, Microsoft Office and other apps and online services. Potential leader: Qi Lu, who currently heads up the Online Services Division.
Hardware and devices: This would include Xbox, Surface and other Microsoft hardware products. Potential leader: Julie Larson-Green, currently the Windows engineering chief.
Operating systems: Windows and Windows Phone. Potential leader: Terry Myerson, currently Windows Phone chief.
Cloud computing and enterprise: Satya Nadella, the current Server & Tools chief, would head up this division.
Bloomberg reports that Tony Bates, the Skype chief, would lead acquisitions and developer relations. It also notes that the company is looking to separate product engineering from business functions such as marketing and finance. No official word from Microsoft yet on the reorg, but it looks like it could come as early as next week.
Related Stories
- Xbox chief’s exit may clear way for new Microsoft devices division
- Microsoft reorg: Don’t expect big cost-cutting, says analyst
- Confirmed: Zynga names Microsoft Xbox chief Mattrick CEO
- What’s next for Xbox? Ballmer in charge in buildup to Xbox One launch
