Is Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Following Intel Corporation (INTC)’s Lead?

The four divisions being discussed by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) execs include enterprises, apps and services, hardware, and an OS unit. Microsoft’s emphasis on mobile devices and operating systems is obvious with the introduction of its Surface Pro and RT tablets, Windows phone OS, and a commitment from Ballmer to continue building devices. As the shareholder letter from last year made clear, cloud computing is also on Microsoft’s list of objectives, to the delight of some of its biggest investors.

A more nimble Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a necessity to keep pace with the leaders in the fast-moving mobile devices, cloud computing, and OS markets, as Krzanich and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) realized. It’ll come as no surprise to Microsoft fans that Ballmer isn’t at the top of many “CEO of the Year” lists; years of stagnant share price growth will do that. But if the realignment rumors are true, it appears Ballmer knew what needed to be done nearly a year ago, and he’s getting ready to pull the trigger.

Fool contributor Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. The Motley Fool owns shares of Intel and Microsoft.

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