Reorganization Tightens Windows Focus

A reorganization in Jim Allchin’s Platforms Group is intended to help Microsoft focus on the drive toward the next generation of Windows, code-named Longhorn. Core technologies and processes that are vital to all Windows products—such as the kernel, networking technologies, sustained engineering, and security—have been split from other parts of the Windows business, such as marketing, finance, and non-core development (e.g., user interface, Windows Media). The split will help Microsoft focus on building a new OS that customers will find compelling while continuing to support an ever-growing slate of legacy systems.

The reorganization also places a single leader at the head of Microsoft’s developer tools division, streamlining reporting in the Server and Tools business.

(For a high-level overview, see the illustration “Dec. 2003 Platforms Group Reorganization“.)

Valentine Focusing on Core OS

Before the Dec. 2003 reorganization, every employee who worked on developing or marketing Windows reported up through the organization to Senior Vice President Brian Valentine.