The latest reverb out of Microsoft's SMS&P unit is that Doug Leland, is taking a leave of absence starting next month. Eddie Yandle will step in as interim replacement. Word is Microsoft is seeking a permanent hire to head up the effort which is trying to make Microsoft a force in very small businesses.
The group backed the Office Small Business Accounting product, that debuted last fall to much fanfare, then seemed to pretty much disappear. (Word is the company's about to start briefing folks on Office Small Business Accounting 2007 edition or would that be Office 2007 Small Business Accounting? Whatever.)
News of Leland's move was e-mailed around the company internally last week, but has not been announced publicly.
Leland, then a 14-year veteran with the company, was named general manager of Worldwide Small Business just last October.
Besides SBA, the group has been pushing Small Business Server and will line up its resources behind various Windows and Office Live services going forward
Last week, the company announced other org changes, most notably that Margo Day who had been U.S. channel chief was taking on the Western Region as VP and that Robert DeShaies, who had been VP of the Eastern Region was stepping into Margo's old job.
Some channel partners said that the shuffling of US Partner group was to be expected in the months leading into the new fiscal year.
"They want to get the changes done and get their ducks in a row before WWPC," said one longtime solution provider partner. The WWPC, or Worldwide Partner Conference kicks off in Boston in mid July. Microsoft's fiscal year starts July 1.
Sources say there may be more changes in the offing, even at the top of the worldwide partner effort. More to come....
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