14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is currently undergoing a new restructuring process that’s supposed to reduce the number of internal business divisions to four, all of which are supposed to get the company closer to the devices and services concept that CEO Steve Ballmer talks about so much.
According to some previous reports, Microsoft’s big honcho is now looking into these upper management reshuffle plans, as an official announcement is expected by July 1.
But some new documents published on the web by famous tipster MS_Nerd reveal that Microsoft will be made of eight different divisions, as it follows:
Windows Engineering – Jon DeVaan Online Services – Qi Lu Hardware and Partner Operations – Michael Anguilo Microsoft Studios – Don Mattrick Business Platform – Tony Bates Microsoft Apps – Julie Larson-Green Developer Tools – Scott Guthrie Microsoft Research – Direct Report
As you can see, Julie Larson-Green, currently head of the Windows division, will be in charge of what’s being called Microsoft Apps, most likely a new unit specifically focused on Windows and the other apps offered to users.
While some high-profile executives are missing from the list, keep in mind that this is only a rumor, so we should take this with a pinch of salt until Microsoft comes to confirm its restructuring plan.
Ballmer said several times that Microsoft is no longer just a simple software maker, but a devices and services firm that also builds hardware and solutions aimed at enterprises.
The Surface tablet, for example, was Microsoft’s first real step in the hardware industry, and many have actually criticized the company’s strategy of becoming just another rival for its partners.
And still, Microsoft is willing to continue its efforts in the hardware industry, with sources familiar with the matter suggesting that more tablets are expected to be released this month. An 8-inch device is also possible, as Microsoft hopes to compete against the likes of iPad mini and Nexus 7.