Microsoft said on Monday that Ray Ozzie will step down from his role as chief software architect, and to retire from Microsoft after a transition period during which he will focus on Microsoft"s entertainment technology investments.
Ozzie was responsible for looking after the company"s technical strategy and product architecture. After assuming the role in June 2006, Ozzie drove key parts of the company"s overall technical strategy. Ozzie originally joined Microsoft after the company acquired Groove Networks in April 2005. His original role was Chief Technical Officer.
Ozzie recently made news by announcing he was "back" on a blog posting. The former chief software architect scanned and posted artefacts of Microsoft"s original Windows 1.0 press materials. Ozzie"s departure is hardly surprising given Microsoft"s recent transition (shuttering) of both Mesh and Live Labs. Ozzie oversaw both of these experimental projects.
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