Microsoft's Ballmer still foresees a paperless office

Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer has outlined new efforts to cut paper usage, and defended his firm's aggressive tactics

Ballmer: Microsoft needs to be nimble

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has defended his company’s broad-ranging raids on new markets, saying that pursuing them is an inspiration when hiring and keeping staff.

Some critics have recently taken aim at Microsoft for chasing fields such as web browsers, security software and search, saying the company could save research and development costs and encourage competition by leaving some markets to others. However, at an Institute of Directors annual conference in London today, Ballmer said that continual expansion of markets is necessary to attract ambitious employees.

“Our ability to turn our ship around in internet browsing inspired our people,” he said. “We’ve got to be nimble, agile and quick. Our people want to see that leadership.”

As part of that, Ballmer said the firm is working hard on challenges such as attempts to reduce the dependence on paper in business today.

“There’s more paper consumed today than 10 years ago,” he said. “Why? Because we haven’t made reading on a computer screen a superior reading experience. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of people at Microsoft who are inspired by that quest.”

Ballmer also said he expects the current proliferation of digital music, PDA, phone and other devices to be rationalised down to one.

Separately, Ballmer endorsed the view of General Electric’s legendary former chief Jack Welch and others, who argued that firms should cut a percentage of underperforming staff every year.

“The question is never ‘are people good enough’ but ‘can you do a better job’. Maybe it’s one percent or five percent of people but I’m sure it’s more than zero percent.”

Asked whether he would consider sponsoring a British football team, Ballmer said, “No chance. I’d have to learn where a midfielder stands.”