Editor’s Note: Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM), VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW), The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)
It’s Time For Microsoft To Hand the Keys To Bing Over To Yahoo! (Forbes)
Sure, the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) board – and ultimately Bill Gates – did. But who pushed them? An activist investor: Jeff Ubben of ValueAct. For a long time, people – Wall Street investors, bloggers, and anyone in the tech industry – have complained that Steve Ballmer was bad for Microsoft and its stock price.
Microsoft Seeks to Reassure Workers Spooked by CEO Search (Bloomberg)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is telling employees that a reorganization plan by departing Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will go ahead, seeking to reassure senior managers who are concerned that the search for a successor will throw turnaround efforts into disarray. Some members of Microsoft’s senior leadership team e-mailed their staff on Aug. 23 to say they remain committed to Ballmer’s vision and the reorganization, said three people with knowledge of the matter. Some Microsoft executives have seen an increase in outside job offers since the July restructuring plan and others may be tempted to leave after stock grants and bonuses are awarded in late August, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the communications were private.
To Microsoft’s new chief executive: stop chasing consumers (FT)
First, congratulations. Not only on taking the helm of one of the world’s great companies but also on having the vision to pay us to give you frank advice. Many executives don’t value pure strategy consulting these days and demand hard results. You’re more far-sighted than that. Talking of vision, that reminds us of what Louis Gerstner said 20 years ago after taking over International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM), another technology company that had lost its way and been overtaken by rivals. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) had undermined IBM’s mainframe computing business with the fast-growing, fashionable personal computer. Funny how times change, isn’t it?
Microsoft creates white Xbox One for employees (The Verge)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is building a white Xbox One, but it’s for employees only. A Reddit poster has revealed that Microsoft plans to gift the special edition white Xbox One to employees who have worked on the next-generation console. Employees working in Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business, the division responsible for Xbox, will receive a free Xbox One, one year of Xbox Live, games, and a special achievement all on launch day. The front of the console even includes an “I made this” engraving. The Verge has confirmed with Microsoft sources that the giveaway is genuine.
VMware Hires Former Microsoft CIO Tony Scott (Bloomberg)
VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW), the largest maker of software that lets computers run multiple operating systems, said it’s hiring Tony Scott, former chief information officer at Microsoft, for the same position. Scott, who left Microsoft in May after five years, will report to Pat Gelsinger, chief executive officer of VMware, Inc. (NYSE:VMW), the company said in a statement today. Scott’s departure was announced in June, when Microsoft said he planned to focus on personal projects. Prior to that, Scott served as CIO at The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and chief technology officer at General Motors Company (NYSE:GM).
Who’s next to be out? (CNBC)
