It happened. It took a little longer than expected, but we finally have some contrasting views from analysts over why Bill Gates must leave Microsoft, the company he co-founded all those years ago.
Steve Ballmer is ready to step down from his position as Microsoft CEO any time now.
The high-profile search for the next head of the company is starting to heat up, but at the same time there are reports that claim the top three company shareholders are trying to force Gates to step down from his position as chairman.
And now an analyst has joined in the mix.
Jack Gold, an analyst over at J. Gold Associates has said in a recent interview with USA Today that while this would be the end of an era at Microsoft, it may also be the change that may push the technology company in a new and needed direction.
“The bigger issue is, now that Ballmer is being replaced, who will lead? Gates and Ballmer have essentially veto power Relevant Products/Services over the selection process that not much will change.
If you eliminate the existing chair and limit the influence of Ballmer on the selection process, you’re more likely to get someone that can take Microsoft in a needed new direction. That would be the best outcome, in my opinion.”
Sure makes one wonder what this needed new direction is, considering the company just outlined a One Microsoft initiative to fight it out at multiple fronts!
Anyway, Gates is yet to comment on all these rumors, even as he helps Redmond finalize a new CEO, which, according to insider reports, is expected to be announced by the end of the year.
But there is every chance that you have not heard the last of this story.
All Comments
Everyone keeps saying Gates and Ballmer will keep Microsoft from making changes, but what are these earth-shattering changes that need to be made?
Exactly the question raised in the article. 🙂 It’s probably some sinister and ulterior motive, behind the curtain. Maximizing profits in the enterprise world, while forsaking products, services and divisions that don’t bring in the coins.
Short term thinking, one that plagues some investors. 🙁
@disqus_aUjJoK3PRk:disqus and @maldini3b:disqus,
What would be hilarious is if Mulally accepts the CEO position and then the other Board members plead with him to split up Microsoft while selling off the perceived “losers” in the product line, and Mulally says “What? Do you think Ford should sell only Fusions and F-150’s?” Because really, that would be the suggesting the same thing, right?
I enjoy using Microsoft mice and keyboards, the webcams and everything else they come out with. They are quality products, including the Xbox and the newer Surface lineup. And hey, has anyone lately said that Nokia makes a bad product?
Maybe I’m wrong about this, but if you don’t like what a company is doing, then maybe you shouldn’t be investing in them. You won’t find me investing in Monsanto or DuPont!
I would politely suggest that instead of “Analyst Believes Bill Gates Should…” you could use An analyst or One analyst or One stinking analyst, to put thing in the proper prospective.
@mikegreenway:disqus, there’s a reason they’re called ANALyst! 😉