Bob Kelly: A Quick Note On Those Management Changes

By now, you’ve probably seen the news about changes in the exec ranks announced today at Microsoft. I want to take a moment to offer some perspectives about what this means for the Server and Tools business. The news that Andy Lees is taking on our Mobile Communications business is tough for me personally, and for many others, because Andy is a great boss and a fantastic leader. But it’s great news for MS and especially Mobile Communications because of Andy’s unique ability to chart the often stormy waters of an emerging business and build a team that delivers huge results. And while we will miss Andy, the reality is that these changes also reflect the overall health and strength of STB as a business group. Anyone who watches MS closely over the years will tell you that this is company that is all about building a deep bench. We grow leaders at all levels and people typically move from one business to another in the course of their careers. In the case of STB, Andy leaves a solid business plan through FY08 and strong leaders across all of our key Infrastructure and Application Platform businesses. So this is really a time for celebration – especially as we count down the days to the 2/27 launch of Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008! We are full steam ahead to have an enterprise launch event unlike anything the industry has witnessed, and if you’re not registered now, I urge you go head over to https://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/default.mspx and check it out. See you at launch!

-- Bob Kelly, VP of Infrastructure Server Marketing (and acting leader of STB Marketing and Solutions Group)