The reasons for Ballmer's goodbye

"Steve Ballmer will step down as Microsoft CEO in 12 months. The news has been very sudden and we did not expect it. What are the reasons for this departure? In the press release they explain that Ballmer&39;s retirement plans would leave the company in the middle of its transformation to a device and services company, so it has decided to bring it forward so that the new CEO can spend more time directing the change. "

And although the explanation seems very credible (Ballmer is now 57 years old, 33 of them at Microsoft), there are other factors that can come into play. Of course, the company's latest launches have been surrounded by controversy: could they have had anything to do with it?

Windows 8, the first step didn't go so well

Windows 8 was the first step in Microsoft's new conversion strategy. However, it has not turned out as well as expected in Redmond, with many user complaints and not exactly exceptional adoption. It has not been a failure, of course, but it has not been a great success either, confirming that Microsoft's strategy was the best possible.

The changes in Windows 8.1 can be seen as a failure of the initial strategy.

Many of the bugs have been fixed in Windows 8.1, which is coming soon to all users. In some ways, this new version rectifies the initial intention: a start button, the possibility of forgetting about Modern UI completely… It doesn't force the convergence between the traditional computer (mouse and keyboard) and the new tactile world so much. It can be seen as a simple UX decision (to give the user the best possible experience) or, perhaps, as Microsoft's leadership was too optimistic and failed to draw and design that convergence that all OS vendors are looking for. .

Communication: Fiascoes with Windows RT and Xbox One

Microsoft's undoubted failing in recent months has been communication, as the launches of Windows RT and Xbox One have shown.

Microsoft has failed to explain Xbox One or Windows RT.

In the first case, Microsoft has failed to explain to the consumer what Windows RT is. There is enormous confusion, even among people most familiar with the technology. The system itself is confusing (you have the Windows desktop, but you can't install normal programs except Office, which is there) and Microsoft hasn't made the effort to explain what it is, its advantages and disadvantages.

And if Windows RT has been a dubious strategy, Xbox One is even worse. I already mentioned it when it was launched: a great communication disaster that has caused Microsoft to rectify and convert a console prepared for the future to another anchored in the present.While the latest developments have improved sales prospects, mistakes have undoubtedly taken their toll.

Did Ballmer do it wrong? Not really

Okay, yes, over the past few months Microsoft has made some mistakes. However, this does not mean that Ballmer has mismanaged. Things haven't worked out well with Windows RT, Surface, or Xbox One, but overall Microsoft's strategy is working.

All products form an increasingly complete and integrated ecosystem. Microsoft is, right now, the company with the widest range of products: it is on mobile, tablet and computer; cloud storage and office services; communication with Skype and a gateway to all rooms with Xbox. Not to mention business services or Azure, which although we don't talk much about it is a very important asset for Microsoft.

Steve Ballmer leaves Microsoft in a very good position, ready to face any competition.

No company, not Apple or Google, has as much potential or is so well prepared for the future. Many say that Microsoft has become irrelevant because of the decline in PC sales. Ballmer has managed (especially in recent years) to get Microsoft to diversify its business and prepare for the next big war: control of the living room. Microsoft no longer depends entirely on the PC, far from it.

On the other hand, if Ballmer didn't leave with the Vista fiasco or after having arrived very late to the mobile world, I find it very strange that the failures of recent months have forced his departure. It is true that investors did not like him very much, but that is not something new either.

To me, Ballmer is leaving for the reasons he explains in his farewell letter: so that the next CEO can manage Microsoft's transformation for as long as possible. It makes sense: Ballmer retires after having clearly marked out the first steps and the way forward for the company.Your substitute will be able to carry out the transformation by thinking long term and not picking up the baton halfway.

Despite everything, his failures, his eccentricities, Steve Ballmer has done a good job. For every bad decision there have been many other good ones, although these have not had as much impact and have managed to portray the CEO of Microsoft as less valuable than he really is. Knowing how to retire on time has been his last decision, quite intelligent and which also reminds us that appearances are deceiving.

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