quote:www.neowin.net
Satya Nadella hits 2 years, but is Steve Ballmer the unsung hero of Microsoft's resurgence?
By John Devon
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When Steve Ballmer resigned from Microsoft 2 years ago, the press slammed the door pretty hard behind him. Undeterred and looking forward, however, the passionate executive quickly opened another door, starting his next career as NBA team owner. But he still cares deeply about the company he left behind; as the largest individual shareholder with 4% of the stock, Ballmer has been vocally critical about some of Microsofts recent choices but bullish on what's next for Windows 10.
And to better understand that future, its important to appreciate how Microsoft got to where it is today. With the benefit of hindsight, the former CEOs 14-year tenure is worth a second look to better assess his contributions to the new Microsoft.
Steve Ballmer has claimed that its not important if he gets credit for the companys success. But in light of Microsofts recently improved outlook and its attribution to Satya Nadella, two years down the road is a good time to analyze the genesis of it all.
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The Business
First, the rarely considered: the actual business performance that enables investment in the future. Under Ballmers stewardship, revenue grew from $25 billion in 2001 to $87 billion in 2014, more than tripling the business in 13 years. And the company increased annual operating profit from $11.7 billion to $27.7 billion. In the final fiscal year of Ballmers tenure, thats a net profit margin of 32%.
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The Long View
Microsoft was, and still is, one of the best managed companies in the world. One reason is that they continually invest and take the long view. Bill Gates did this, and Steve Ballmer continued it by maintaining an unshakable belief in large strategic bets. Other CEOs might have cut and run on the big stuff, but Ballmer rarely did.
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Devices and Services
still
Which brings us to the hardware that shows off the new software. Microsofts relatively recent pivot from a software company that made some keyboards and mice, to a company that earns billions in Surface revenue each year is remarkable. Were all accustomed to this shift because it occurred years ago. But it was shocking and risky at the time, and still kind of is, as evidenced by the surprise unveiling of Surface Book last year.
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Nadella has taken the baton and been excellent
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Read more: http://www.neowin.net/news/satya-nadella-hits-2-years-but-is-steve-ballmer-the-unsung-hero-of-microsofts-resurgence
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non nova, sed nove
primum non nocere
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