By design, Nadella is getting credit by design for 'overnight changes' many years in the making. Windows 10 reflects the strategic decisions embodied in Vista. Ballmer owned enough stock that along with Gates' backing Microsoft could produce a largely incompatible new version of the Windows OS and Wall Street could like it or lump it. Gates and Ballmer have been divesting Microsoft shares and the new company is beholden to the "What did you do this quarter?" analyst's mindset. Before he left, Ballmer set the course and ensured there was a tick tock product development cycle.
Ballmer wasn't an idiot. It's not as if he didn't see the changing landscape. He left the company in a position to shape the future.
Ballmer wasn't an idiot. It's not as if he didn't see the changing landscape. He left the company in a position to shape the future.