Today Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that he will retire (http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/23/steve-ballmer-to-retire-as-microsoft-ceo-within-12-months/) in the next 12 months. His successor is not known, but the move marks the end of an era in technology, as Ballmer himself has become a controversial stalwart in the sector.
The stock market rewarded the company (http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/23/ballmers-exit-adds-18-billion-to-microsofts-value-as-investors-cheer-its-impending-leadership-change/) with a 7.29 percent bump in its share price following the news. However, Ballmer's final years at the company have been marked with change (http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/23/steve-ballmers-classy-exit/). Windows 8, Windows Phone, Azure, and other new products have reformed Microsoft's software lineup. Executive exits, a re-org, and a shift in business model have remade the company, at least in theory.
During his stretch as CEO, Ballmer has overseen a company that has weathered internal gridlock and market woes. That said, the last few years of Microsoft history have been turbulent. And perhaps turbulent in a way that is good for the firm.
My good friend and colleague Frederic Lardinois and I sat down to talk over the news. Have a view:
Top Image Credit: Luc Van Braekel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucvanbraekel/)
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