Post Vista, Microsoft reorgs the Windows group

As typical, following a major product release, Microsoft is reorging. This time, following Windows Vista's launch, it's Windows client business unit doing the shuffle, according to sources close to the company.

Here's what's happening. Kevin Johnson, head of Microsoft's uber Platforms and Services unit, has created a new business unit, as he announced internally on February 27. That new unit is known as the Windows Business Group (WBG). WBG will be headed by Bill Veghte, who has been corporate vice president of sales, services and marketing for Microsoft North America. Effective immediately, Veghte, in his new role, reports to Johnson.

There are now four subgroups under Veghte's WBG: Windows product marketing (still under Corporate VP Michael Sievert); Windows product management (under Corporate VP and former head of Microsoft's Security Technology Unit Mike Nash); Windows market expansion (still under Senior VP Will Poole); and Windows software protection and commerce (under former Market Expansion Corporate VP Joe Peterson).

In spite of its name WBG is not just about the corporate part of Microsoft's Vista business. The group will oversee both business and consumer marketing, expansion and protection.

Bottom line: Nash is back from his six-month-plus sabbatical. And Peterson is now in charge of Windows Genuine Advantage, in addition to Windows Marketplace.