Microsoft Corp. Tuesday made delivering tools and
services to developers a core focus with the creation of the Developer and
Platform Evangelism Division.
The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant said the new division will integrate
developer tools and evangelism efforts across the company, and enhance the
tools and technologies available to developers, partners, information
technology professionals and end users. The division will include the
Developer Division, Developer Marketing and Enterprise Tools, Content
Development and Delivery Group, and Platform Strategy and Evangelism.
“The goal of this new organization is to bring together the right people,
resources and experience from across Microsoft to provider developers with
the rich tools and services they need to create new opportunities within the
industry and for customers,” said Senior Vice President Eric Rudder, who
will
head up the division.
The division will be a part of the Platforms Group — which includes the
Microsoft Windows, .NET Enterprise Servers and New Media Platforms Divisions
— led by Group Vice President Jim Allchin.
“With Eric Rudder’s leadership, the Developer and Platform Evangelism
Division will create and deliver focused support to the millions of software
developers around the globe who share a commitment to providing customers
with high-performance, affordable and cutting-edge technologies — any time,
any where and on any device,” Allchin said. “Eric’s technical expertise,
leadership ability and experience working with developers and independent
software vendors will ensure that the new division will play a fundamental
role in advancing Microsoft’s XML-based Web services strategy.”
Microsoft intends for the new division to coordinate the overall programming
model for the PC and server, create tools for the Microsoft .NET Platform,
and foster synergies between Windows and the .NET Enterprise Server
offerings. Also, Microsoft said the division will be chartered with
evangelizing the extended Microsoft platform through a variety of content
offerings — including books, online learning, courseware and exams — for
developers, IT managers, business decision-makers and consumers. The
division
will also take charge of Microsoft’s corporate Web site.
Previously, Rudder was vice president, Technical Strategy, for Microsoft. He
began his career with the company in 1988, and has worked in networking,
operating systems and developer tools for the company. He has also
previously
served as general manager for the Visual Studio development system.