Microsoft Realigns Business Apps Strategy Team

Just days before its business-applications strategy becomes a subject of debate in the Justice Department's court challenge to Oracle's hostile-takeover bid for PeopleSoft Inc., Microsoft is fine-tuning the executive team that manages its own business-applications strategy.

Microsoft disclosed Thursday that Doug Burgum, the senior VP in charge of its Microsoft Business Solutions division, will now report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer. At the same time, Orlando Ayala, the senior VP in charge of Microsoft's small and midmarket sales organization, takes on the role of chief operating officer of Microsoft Business Solutions, while retaining his previous responsibilities.

In a statement published on Microsoft's Web site, Burgum said the moves are evidence of Microsoft's "strengthening commitment" to the business-applications market. The changes are also meant to tighten alignment between Microsoft's Business Solutions and Worldwide Small and Mid-Market Solutions and Partners groups, he said.

In his new role, Ayala now reports to Burgum. Both executives previously reported to group VP Jeff Raikes, who oversees Microsoft's Information Worker business.