RSSWindows Live Head Leaves Microsoft
By Nate Mook | Published June 20, 2006, 9:43 PM
Less than 24 hours after the launch of Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft corporate vice president Martin Taylor, who oversaw the product's launch, has made a surprise departure from the Redmond company. Taylor was a 13-year veteran of Microsoft and a top advisor to company CEO Steve Ballmer.
Before becoming a corporate VP of Windows Live and MSN in March, Taylor spearheaded Microsoft's "Get the Facts" campaign that responded to the threat from Linux and open source. He was expected to play a major role in shaping the Windows Live strategy, and was featured in a Microsoft Q&A on Monday.
Strangely, an initial draft of the Windows Live Messenger launch press release featured division head Kevin Johnson, but the quote was attributed to Taylor for the final announcement. Microsoft officials did not say if the confusion had anything to do with Taylor leaving the company.
"We’ve made the difficult decision to part ways with Martin, but we don’t comment on personnel matters." a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews. "We appreciate Martin’s contributions at Microsoft over the past thirteen years."
"Given Martin's role, yesterday's Q&A and the way Microsoft departures are typically disclosed, I would characterize his exit as sudden--and unexpected," commented Jupiter Research senior analyst Joe Wilcox. "Most certainly, it's a blow when any company loses a veteran executive. But, as much as I hate to admit it, anyone can be replaced."
On Monday, Taylor elaborated on future Windows Live launch plans. Windows Live Custom Domains will officially launch in the coming weeks, while Windows Live Spaces, Friends-of-Friends Social Networking, and Windows Live Expo will launch during the summer. More innovations in search and live.com are coming soon.
"This is an exciting time for services as well as for Microsoft, and there's more to come," Taylor said.
Live is probably one of the best things to happen to Microsoft. I'm not saying Live is WONDERFUL, but it's a step in the right direction on how to integrate their services while bringing everything into the new generation.
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|Probably caught surfing porn sites at work.
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|MABEY HE DID'ENT WANT TO RUN THINGS WHILE BILL IS IN RETIREMENT DIDENT GET PAY ENOUGHT, (LOL)
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|hes smart hes mabey leaving the country!
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|This was a sudden departure. I'll bet that something sinister, or possibly illegal, was involved and he was forced out. We should know the truth shortly.
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|And who want to bet he will appear at Google in a few months time??
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|Lmao...
I bet that'd make 'em comment on personnel matters."
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|I am using windows live messenger ever since from it's beta. I really appreciated for it's off lines messages and also it's UNICODE support from windows /MSN messenger. I hope Microsoft keep on giving good support dispite of head's decision to leave from MS.
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|ICQ users have been appreciating offline messages for at least 7 years.
But I guess I too am glad the protocol finally supports offline messages. I'd like to know why the hell it took so long?!
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|Because US companies don't think it's necessary, not until now at least.
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|LOL.....yeah....like nothing is going on at Microsoft.
Wouldn't that be nuts if it was another Enron? :D
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|*LOL.....yeah....like nothing is going on at Microsoft.
Wouldn't that be nuts if it was another Enron? :D *
Ok, you comment just make you a certified idiot.
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|Why? Because he posits a possible situation you disagree with?
Right back at ya, bud.
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|Learn to spell.
Learn proper grammar.
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|"Most certainly, it's a blow when any company loses a veteran executive. But, as much as I hate to admit it, anyone can be replaced."
Joe Wilcox is certainly right. For anyone think he/she is unreplacable in a big corporation, think again.
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|so true,
people tends to get comfy after soo many years working in same environment.
Its GOOD for the company which needs fresh creative minds.
Microsoft CAN & WILL do Netscape again but still company is behind others when it comes to fresh ideas, so anyway we are going to see share go high on this feed.
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