What you need to know
- Microsoft is doing another reorg with the Windows group.
- Parts of Core OS (and Intelligent Edge) are moving under Panos Panay.
- The goal is to "deliver iconic experiences across Microsoft" with Surface an Windows 10.
- No layoffs are expected.
According to ZDNet, Microsoft is further reorganizing the teams that work on Windows and Azure internally in a big way, with part of Azure's Core OS and Intelligent Edge teams joining the Windows + Devices division that was formed earlier this year under Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay. Windows development has previously been shared between Azure and Windows, but today's reorg seems to be bringing more of the Azure side under Panos Panay instead.
This is good news, as it means Panos Panay is now the head of even more parts of Windows. Thurrott has obtained the internal memo and it explains why this change is a big deal:
The mission of Windows + Devices is to build platforms and products that create and complete magical experiences with all of Microsoft, to empower every person and organization to achieve more," Panay explains. This business stands on three core pillars:
- Deliver iconic experiences across Microsoft, lighting up both modern work and life.
- Grow the business of Windows and Surface, delivering the best of Microsoft and creating end-user pull.
- Lead the industry through innovation and technology, enabling our ecosystem of partners to thrive.
Making this happen requires Microsoft to realign and integrate "for a single strategy and ownership across the business end-to-end.
This reorg further confirms Microsoft's "recommitment" to Windows that it announced back in May. It's clear that Microsoft wants the Windows and Devices team to be working closely with everyone at Microsoft to ensure Surface and Windows products are the best they possibly can be. The memo continues:
Innovation and success are only possible through close collaboration with other teams across Microsoft. Windows + Devices is the entry point to all Microsoft services, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners in COSINE, Microsoft 365, SAN, Edge, and so many other teams throughout the company to address customers' needs. We will continue to align our product and business rhythms to stay connected on our vision at every step towards achieving our big goals. By bringing product-makers together, and continuing to work with our partners, we will streamline decision-making and create the best experiences to engage customers, energize developers, inspire partners, and lead the ecosystem.
Fans of Windows will be happy to see that Microsoft is once again comitting itself to Windows as an OS. Earlier in the year, the company promised new innovation with Windows in 2021, and this reorg is likely part of that journey. It's going to be very interesting to see how Windows 10 (and Windows 10X) progress going forward now that Panos Panay is in charge of a significant chunk of Windows OS development.
