Analysts divine traces of
Windows 8 weakness, ego clash in Sinofsky exit
Disagree about future
course for Windows and company, but 'damage control' is likely
By Gregg Keizer
November 13, 2012 02:01 PM
ET
Computerworld - Steven
Sinofsky, Microsoft's top Windows executive, abruptly left the company Monday,
a move that some analysts saw as an indictment of Windows 8. But other experts
believe more was at play and that Microsoft will stick to the strategic trail
Sinofsky blazed.
The mixed reaction from
long-time Microsoft watchers, some of them former company employees, reflected
the "Kremlinologist" tactics necessary to peer into a major company
like Microsoft, especially one where Sinofsky's penchant for secrecy had taken
hold.
Microsoft announced
Sinofsky's exit late Monday. According to the company, yesterday was his last
day, as his departure was effective immediately. Microsoft promoted Julie
Larson-Green, a Sinofsky lieutenant and Window's chief designer, to head all
Windows software and hardware engineering. Meanwhile, CFO Tami Reller, who also
is the firm's head of marketing, will manage the business side of Windows.
Although Microsoft did not
say why Sinofsky left, in a memo obtained by CITEworld -- a sister publication
of Computerworld -- Sinofsky said it was his decision. "This was a
personal and private choice that in no way reflects any speculation or theories
one might read - about me, opportunity, the company or its
leadership," Sinofsky wrote.
Some analysts weren't
buying that.
"There is undoubtedly
either a major culture or personality clash going on internally at Microsoft,
or something personally going on," said Patrick Moorhead, principal
analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy in an email.
Others noted Sinofsky's
quick exit as a reason to doubt his story. "When an executive plans to
leave, there is usually a lot more than what this [Microsoft press] release
states," said Al Gillen of IDC in an email. "It sure looks like this
was a decision that was made for him."
The idea that Sinofsky was
forced out because of his leadership style -- which has been characterized as
abrasive and non-collaborative -- was a thread that ran through many analysts'
thoughts today.
"He had a reputation
of being difficult to work with," said Michael Silver of Gartner, choosing
his words carefully in an interview late Monday. But if Windows 8 -- Sinofsky's
last project -- had been wildly successful, that would have been overlooked.
"I'm not saying that Windows 8 is the reason for this ouster. But I am
saying that the lack of huge success may have made his personality and way of
doing things less tolerable. They needed someone who could bring parts of
Microsoft together and reduce the sniping."
Silver wasn't the only one
who drew a line between Windows 8 and Sinofsky's egress.
"This departure
appears to be a repudiation of the strategy and direction of Windows 8 design,
partner strategy, and Microsoft hardware," said Frank Gillett, an analyst
with Forrester Research.
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