While Microsoft is focusing much of its energy these days on developing Web services and on tightening the security of its software, it hasn"t stopped exploring new markets.
The Redmond, Wash.-based company plans to make deeper forays into the areas of security software and storage through two upstart divisions, according to Group Vice President Jim Allchin.
A new storage business unit, run by Bob Muglia, is "looking at products that corporate customers might use," Allchin said in an interview with CNET News.com. "They pay a lot (for storage) and are concerned with storage...That whole world is super-confusing, and there are some things we can do that customers would love."
Allchin didn"t provide details about what types of storage products Muglia"s division is planning, saying only that the division is "at ground zero right now."
The unit is charged with developing "a cohesive product and business strategy for the evolution of Microsoft file systems, network attached storage (NAS), storage area network (SAN), backup, continuous availability, and storage resource management," according to Microsoft"s Web site.