Microsoft Reorg Rumors Weigh On WPC Partner Conference

A Microsoft (MSFT) reorg seems set for later this week — shortly after Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2013 (WPC13) wraps up in Houston. The conference is generating positive buzz. But chatter and speculation about the apparent Microsoft reorganization is getting louder.

During CEO Steve Ballmer’s WPC 2013 keynote, he  described how Microsoft increasingly focuses on devices and services — which pushes beyond the company’s original software mindset. Ballmer apparently will re-organize Microsoft around that devices and services push, with an announcement likely coming later this week, AllThingsD reported.

For channel partners, chatter about the reorganization is both confusing and potentially overwhelming. Trying to track how Microsoft organizes its cloud, server, desktop, tools, search, entertainment, mobile and device initiatives is a bit like looking at a New York subway system map for the first time. Instead of climbing aboard, some Microsoft employees could exit.

Still, for the channel there’s only one name that really matters in all this: Channel Chief Jon Roskill. The VAR Guy has already called on Ballmer to more fully empower Roskill as part of the reorg. Over and over again, Roskill has successfully expanded Microsoft’s partner program into new areas — including the new Surface tablet partner push, the TouchWins discount program, and the expanded Office 365 Open initiative.

In many cases, though, partners want Microsoft to move even faster. Office 365 first launched around June 2011, and it took nearly two years for the first cloud billing capabilities to reach channel partners. (Heck, the Google Apps partner program has offered cloud billing capabilities in a simple approach for several years.) Office 365 Open’s initial offering was extremely limited. Likewise, we’re nearly a year into Surface tablet sales and Microsoft is only now expanding its push to more authorized partners.

The key takeaway: It sounds like Ballmer will reorganize the seats at Microsoft’s executive table within days. The VAR Guy is hoping Roskill’s chair has a prime location in the room.