Microsoft announced that chief technical officer Ray Ozzie will immediately assume the title of chief software architect and start working with Gates on all technical architecture and product-oversight responsibilities. Analysts point out that recent concerns about delays for Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista operating system may have prompted Gates to decide that it was time to make the transition. They point out that the Vista delays reflected as much on the chief architect as it did the division president.

In addition to Ozzie, Craig Mundie, Microsoft's chief technical officer for advanced strategies and policy, will also take on new duties during the transition. He gets the new title of chief research and strategy officer and will work with Gates to assume responsibility for the company's research efforts. Mundie also will be working with general counsel Brad Smith on Microsoft's intellectual property and technology policy efforts.