Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s recent announcement of retirement plans has sent the technology world into a large-scale gossip session. From potential CEOs to the company’s long-term vision, no topic is off-limits for tech blogs and reporters.
While Microsoft searches for a new CEO – a search that many believe may lead the company to an external hire – conversations have been popping up about the tech giant’s future plans.
Despite immense success with Windows and a large base of enterprise customers, Microsoft has missed a wide range of opportunities over the past decade. The tech world’s ‘blue monster’ faces immense competition in mobile, gaming, and software.
Technology industry analysts have put forward a variety of potential candidates for the new Microsoft job, ranging from engineers to investors. Vic Gundotra, who was a Microsoft employee before leaving for rival Google, has been discussed at length.
Gundotra’s understanding of Microsoft’s core culture is a major strength, according to Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry. Other analysts have suggested a bold new outside hire for Microsoft that isn’t afraid to ‘shake things up’ in the office.
Issues highlighted by analysts include Microsoft’s stable stock price, which has sat relatively still while rivals such as Apple grew substantially. Analysts suggest that Microsoft may benefit from someone that isn’t afraid to innovate and drive growth.
Others have suggested that someone with a deep background in business sales is a suitable candidate. Unlike rival Apple, Microsoft’s primary audience is enterprises, small-to-medium sized businesses, and independent professionals.
Experts also claim that it may be in Microsoft’s best interest to ‘split off’ Windows and run it as if it were a separate business. This would allow Microsoft to increase its focus on separate products such as its Xbox gaming console and mobile OS.
