News Summary: Microsoft shakes things up
News Summary: Microsoft reshuffles business as software maker focuses on devices, services
COMPANY REBOOT: Microsoft is dismantling its management structure that separated the company into sometimes disjointed divisions and trying to bind everything into a more cohesive line-up of products and services.
PLAYING CATCHUP: The shake-up announced Thursday is aimed at transforming Microsoft Corp. into a nimbler, more collaborative company better equipped to address the threat posed by the growing popularity of smartphones and tablets running on software made by Google Inc. and Apple Inc. Those mobile devices have been undercutting sales of laptop and desktop computers running on Microsoft's Windows software.
THE PROMISE: "We are ready to take Microsoft in bold new directions," CEO Steve Ballmer said.
