14 DAY TRIAL // CEO Steve Ballmer is about to announce a new major restructuring plan for software maker Microsoft, with sources familiar with the matter hinting that a public statement should be released by July 1.
A report published by All Things D and citing a company insider reveals that some Microsoft executives are worried for their positions, as Ballmer’s plan is also expected to include some major shifts and important departures.
Described as a “titanic change,” Ballmer vision is a major step towards a devices and services approach for Microsoft that would allow the Redmond-based company not only to expand its product lineup and focus more on hardware and services, but also to raise the profitability of specific divisions.
The company would reportedly focus on just four different divisions, namely enterprise, hardware, applications and services, and operating systems. In addition, Ballmer is believed to be trying to make Windows Phone and Windows work closer for a number of projects.
All changes are expected to be made public by July 1 when Microsoft officially begins a new fiscal year, the report states.
“It feels like it is going to be titanic — that Steve is doing this change for his legacy. And it’s the first time in a long time that it feels like that there will be some major shifts, including some departures,” All Things D writes citing unnamed insiders.
A photo that reached the web a few days ago, on the other hand, suggested that Microsoft’s internal reorganization could actually come down to eight different divisions, as it follows: Windows Engineering, Online Services, Hardware and Partner Operations, Microsoft Studios, Business Platform, Microsoft Apps, Developer Tools, and Microsoft Research.
Julie Larson-Green, who’s currently in charge with the Windows business, will head the Microsoft Apps unit, while Qi Lu will take over the Online Services division.
Expect more details to be provided as soon as this week, as Microsoft will host its BUILD developer conference on June 26.