In order to drive greater agility in the execution of its software and services strategy, Microsoft announced a realignment of the company into three newly formed divisions, each of which will be led by its own president. The Microsoft Platform Products & Services Division will be led by Kevin Johnson and Jim Allchin as co-presidents; Jeff Raikes has been named president of the Microsoft Business Division; and Robbie Bach has been named as president of Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division.

In addition, the company said Ray Ozzie will expand his role as chief technical officer by assuming responsibility for helping drive its software-based services strategy and execution across all three divisions.

The company also announced that Allchin plans to retire at the end of calendar year 2006 following the commercial availability of Windows Vista, the next-generation Microsoft Windows operating system.

Johnson will succeed Allchin, taking ownership of the Microsoft Platform Products & Services Division, which comprises Windows Client, Server and Tools, and MSN®. To ensure a smooth transition, Johnson and Allchin will serve as co-presidents until Allchin's retirement next year. The new division's mission is to enable exciting user experiences and drive customer value through continued innovation in the software platform and software services delivered over the Internet.

The company also announced that Eric Rudder, senior vice president of Server and Tools, will be taking on a new role working directly for Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect. Rudder will focus on some of the company's key advanced development efforts as well as overall technical strategy. Rudder will transition into his new role following the launch of Visual Studio and SQL Server 2005 later this year.

The Information Worker business and Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) will combine to form the Microsoft Business Division, with Doug Burgum, senior vice president, reporting to Raikes. This division will deliver software and software-based services that enable organizations to succeed in today's constantly evolving workplace by amplifying the impact of their people. Microsoft is uniquely positioned for this opportunity with the new division's programs, servers and software-based services addressing the spectrum from structured business processes to personal productivity needs.

The new Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division, which combines the current Home and Entertainment Division with the current Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, will consolidate Microsoft's industry engagement around devices to deliver even richer and more relevant scenarios for individuals at work, at home and when they're mobile. It will also bring more focus to the company's efforts in entertainment and related devices and services. Accordingly, the senior vice president of Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, Pieter Knook, will report to Bach.


This week, Softpedia would like to know your opinion on gaming consoles. What is your favorite console you either own or you are planning to buy? Are you an Xbox fan or a Playstation fan? Has Xbox360 convinced you it's time to buy one? Or you'll wait for the PS3? Express your opinion here.