 "Microsoft Shakeup Continues, Server Unit Head Out")
Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has ousted the head of Microsoft Corp’s third-largest unit, marking the latest in a series of high-level departures as the software company tries to regain its leadership in the technology sector.
Overtaken by Apple Inc as the world’s most valuable tech company last year and stung by a stagnant stock price for the last decade, Microsoft has been shaking up its top leadership for several years. In the last 15 months alone, the company has lost chief software architect Ray Ozzie, office unit head Stephen Elop, entertainment and devices unit head Robbie Bach and Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell. Of the leaders of its five business divisions, only online chief Qi Lu has the same role he did two years ago.
The latest to leave is Bob Muglia, a 23-year veteran of the company. Muglia, who will stay on until this summer to help his eventual replacement settle in, runs Microsoft’s $15 billion a year Server and Tools business, which sells server and database software to companies. An internal memo from Ballmer indicates Muglia was pushed aside in a disagreement over strategy. “Bob Muglia and I have been talking about the overall business and what is needed to accelerate our growth,” Ballmer wrote in the memo, which was made public. “In this context, I have decided that now is the time to put new leadership in place for STB (Server and Tools business).”
No replacement has been named. Ballmer said he would look for candidates inside and outside the company. “It sounds like he was asked to leave,” said Sid Parakh, analyst at McAdams Wright Ragen. “It seems like there was disagreement over strategy.”
Microsoft’s server and tools business, smaller than only its flagship Windows and Office units, has been growing steadily over the past few years, and is leading the company’s push into “cloud computing,” or selling access to storage and computing power online. Its main rivals in the business are Oracle Corp and Germany’s SAP.
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
