After two high-profile Microsoft exits, is WP7 a device or a platform?
When a massive Microsoft corporate reorganization on September 20, 2005 vaulted Robbie Bach into the role of President of the Entertainment & Devices division, the explanation at the time was to enable the company to focus on devices where the goal was to promote devices, and on platforms where the goal was to promote devices. Xbox was a device, whatever MP3 player the company would decide to produce was a device, and obviously cell phones are devices should Microsoft ever choose to enter that business in earnest. Obviousness is highly susceptible to changes in perspective, especially over five years’ time. Today, with the launch of one of the company’s most important gaming initiatives, still called “Project Natal,” just months away, Bach has decided to leave the company, Microsoft confirmed this afternoon. Following in his wake will be Microsoft’s other high-profile gaming executive, J Allard, who leaves behind a real personal triumph in the form of XNA, the gaming platform that may
