Microsoft Hires Outsider to Manage Next-Generation Windows Project

Microsoft has taken an unusual step by appointing Michael Sievert, a marketing expert from AT&T Wireless, to manage the development of its next-generation Windows project, codenamed Longhorn. This move follows several delays and re-prioritization of the project, with Tom Button, the long-time Microsoft executive who had been product manager for Longhorn, on a leave of absence for family medical reasons. Microsoft denies this decision reflects further delays or changes in the project's schedule, instead attributing it to personal considerations. The new appointment marks a departure from Microsoft's usual practice of promoting internal talent to lead such significant projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Sievert, a marketing expert from AT&T Wireless, has been named corporate vice-president for Windows product management, responsible for marketing, product management, and product planning of Windows for clients such as PCs and other devices.
• This appointment is unusual as Microsoft normally promotes internal talent to lead significant projects like Longhorn.
• Tom Button, the long-time Microsoft executive who had been product manager for Longhorn, is on a leave of absence for family medical reasons and will return to Microsoft in a different capacity.
• Longhorn, the next-generation Windows project, has already suffered several delays and underwent a re-prioritization to speed up its arrival.
• The company has stated that the new appointment does not reflect any further delays or changes in the Longhorn project's schedule.

Statistics:

• The beta, or test, version of Longhorn is expected to be released in the first half of this year.
• Longhorn has already undergone a re-prioritization to focus on its core features and speed up its release.
• Microsoft has stated that the appointment of Michael Sievert is a result of personal considerations, not any changes in the project's schedule.

Sources:

• [Source: CNET–Microsoft takes unusual step of hiring outsider to manage next-generation Windows project "by Richard Waters" ( San Francisco Chronicle, 2004)]
• [Source: Microsoft official press release on the appointment of Michael Sievert]