Windows Chief Takes a Hike
Steven Sinofsky was a strong, disciplined executive who ran the Windows group. He helped usher in Windows 7, a great upgrade to Vista. And he managed Windows 8. Along the way he enforced a powerful discipline that wouldn't allow Microsoft folks to talk about Windows 8 features that were already disclosed. I found it odd and frustrating but reckoned it was his call to make.
Now Sinofsky has been unseated shortly after Windows 8 hit the market. The timing is about as odd as the resignation of a certain four-star general you may have heard about.
In high-profile cases like this the company doesn't exactly detail why they move was made. And Sinofosky made no Petraeus-like mea culpa statements. So we all get to speculate. My guess? Microsoft is taking a ton of heat over the disconnect between its touch/tablet interface and the more familiar "desktop" interface. It is an odd way to compute.
The other area of speculation is about what this means for Microsoft's prospects. The move hase some seeing storm clouds. This puts too much credit on one man. I don't think this move will make a lick of difference. If anything, it is good news. Microsoft clearly thinks it can do better and given its decades of success, I'd have to be mighty full of myself to bet against them!
What do you think of Sinofsky's departure? Put on your guru hat and forward your insight to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 11/14/2012 at 1:19 PM