Microsoft cloud guru Ozzie heads for exit doors

Steve Ballmer announces that CSA Ray Ozzie is to leave Microsoft after five years fronting its cloud strategy

Unique: Ray Ozzie's CSA role will not be refilled

The man who has fronted Microsoft’s cloud strategy for the last five years is to leave the software giant unexpectedly.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer told employees yesterday of Ray Ozzie’s intention to step down from his role as chief software architect (CSA), leaving a question mark hanging over Microsoft’s cloud strategy.

Ballmer said Ozzie’s work had helped catalyse Microsoft’s drive into the cloud.

“Ray has played a critical role in helping us to assume the leadership position in the cloud and positioned us well for future success,” he said.

Ozzie will stay with Microsoft for “a while”, said Ballmer, as he transitions the teams and projects within his organisation. Following that transition period, he will focus his efforts on Microsoft’s entertainment business before leaving the company.

“Beyond that, Ray has no plans at this time,” said Ballmer. “While he’ll continue to report to me during the transition, the CSA role was unique and I won’t refill the role after Ray’s departure.”

Ballmer claimed Microsoft had accomplished much in the cloud arena during Ozzie’s tenure, stressing his central role in the development of Windows Azure.

“This past March marked a significant milestone for the company when, in a speech at the University of Washington, I sent a message to the world that we’re ‘all in’ when it comes to the cloud,” Ballmer said. “In that speech I noted that Ray’s Internet Services Disruption memo nearly five years ago, and his work since, stimulated thinking across the company and helped catalyze our drive to the cloud.”