Microsoft Creates New Division to Step Up Focus on Software Developers

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 16, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the creation of the Developer and Platform Evangelism Division, which will integrate developer tools and evangelism efforts across Microsoft and enhance the tools and technologies available to millions of developers, partners, information technology professionals and end users. The new division will provide software developers with the best tools, programs, services and content offerings to create the next generation of world-class software.

The division, which will be led by Senior Vice President Eric Rudder, combines elements from several divisions at Microsoft and will be a part of Microsoft’s Platforms Group. The Platforms Group, which also includes the Microsoft® Windows®
, .NET Enterprise Servers and New Media Platforms (formerly Windows Digital Media) divisions, is managed by Group Vice President Jim Allchin.

“With Eric Rudder’s leadership, the Developer and Platform Evangelism Division will create and deliver focused support to the millions of software developers around the globe who share a commitment to providing customers with high-performance, affordable and cutting-edge technologies — any time, any where and on any device,” Allchin said. “Eric’s technical expertise, leadership ability and experience working with developers and independent software vendors will ensure that the new division will play a fundamental role in advancing Microsoft’s XML-based Web services strategy.”

The Developer and Platform Evangelism Division will coordinate the overall programming model for the PC and server, create tools for the Microsoft .NET Platform, and foster synergies between Windows and the .NET Enterprise Server offerings. In addition, the division will be chartered with evangelizing the extended Microsoft platform through a variety of content offerings, such as books, online learning, courseware and exams, for developers, IT managers, business decision-makers and consumers. This division also will run Microsoft’s corporate Web site.

Rudder, who most recently held the position of vice president, Technical Strategy, is being promoted to senior vice president. He has been with Microsoft since 1988 and has worked in several areas at Microsoft, including networking, operating systems and developer tools, where he previously served as general manager for the Visual Studio®
development system.

In his new role, Rudder will lead a division composed of the following:

  • Developer Division

  • Developer Marketing and Enterprise Tools

  • Content Development and Delivery Group

  • Platform Strategy and Evangelism

“The goal of this new organization is to bring together the right people, resources and experience from across Microsoft to provide developers with the rich tools and services they need to create new opportunities within the industry and for customers,” Rudder said.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

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