Microsoft set to streamline

Microsoft has announced that its seven business units will be consolidated down to just three.

The new units will be Microsoft Platform Products & Services, covering the OS, server software and MSN arms; Microsoft Business, including Office and its enterprise applications range; and Microsoft Entertainment & Devices, covering consumer goods, such as the Xbox.

The changes will enhance the firm’s decision-making and speed of execution, said chief Steve Ballmer. “We see [an] opportunity to provide greater value to our customers by weaving both software and services into forms that suit their needs.”