Cloud computing guru to leave Microsoft

Departure of chief software architect Ray Ozzie will strengthen Steve Ballmer's grip on the company

Ozzie's departure will increase Ballmer's grip on Microsoft

Microsoft has confirmed that the man charged with defining its software strategy, Ray Ozzie, is to depart, raising questions over the future of its cloud computing programme.

In an email announcing Ozzie’s impending departure, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer praised Ozzie for being “instrumental in our transition toward a software world now centered on services".

Ozzie is expected to stay on for a short time, but his role as chief software architect – a title originally bestowed on founder Bill Gates, when he stepped down as chief executive – will not be continued.

It strengthens Ballmer’s grip on power at the top of the company, despite shareholder grumbles about stagnating stock prices during his tenure.

Ozzie, the inventor of Lotus Notes, joined Microsoft in 2006 with a remit to plot a path to embrace cloud services. He was responsible for Microsoft’s Azure programme, which aimed to link cloud- and desktop-based applications and content – and was supposed to enable Microsoft to compete in the world of cloud computing.