Microsoft software lead Ray Ozzie retires
updated 10:00 pm EDT, Mon October 18, 2010
Ray Ozzie leaves Microsoft
Microsoft was dealt a hit to its long-term plans as its Chief Software Architect today said he was retiring from the company. The veteran planned to move to the "broader area of entertainment" where Microsoft was still involved, CEO Steve Ballmer wrote in an e-mail. He would stay with the company for an unspecified amount of time to help oversee transitions among various projects.
The leader won't be immediately replaced.
Ozzie joined the company in 2005 after Microsoft acquired Groove Networks and was key to the company's rapid push into the cloud. He was responsible for fostering Windows Live services as well as pushing online elements in Exchange and SharePoint. He was also a key architect of Azure, the company's online app platform.
Microsoft has been struggling to branch out beyond its core Office and Windows divisions to thwart what it sees as competition from Google and may face a setback from the departure. The loss follows a string of exits that have included J Allard and Robbie Bach and have left the company without some of its most experienced staff.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2006
Is this all coincidence or rats jumping ship?
With all the recent "retirements" from Microsoft, I would think their shareholders have got to be a little worried with this brain drain.