Microsoft’s Chief software architect retiring

After five years at Microsoft, Ray Ozzie, who has recently put the company on a solid footing with cloud computing, will head off to retirement. He won’t be replaced.

Here’s a small surprise. Having just once again started his additional activity as blogger to announce that he has returned, Ray Ozzie has also announced his retirement. After five years with Microsoft, the chief software architect, who took over this role from non other than co-founder Bill Gates, is now leaving.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO announced the news in a letter sent to employees. In his time at Microsoft, Steve Ballmer highlighted Ray Ozzie’s role in the success of Windows, and the cloud computing orientation which he has provided it. It is under his guidance that the Windows Azure platform was launched, along with Windows Live and Office Web Apps, without forgetting the online versions of SharePoint and Exchange.

Before his relatively short career at Microsoft, Ray Ozzie was known for creating IBM’s groupware software Lotus Notes. For Microsoft, a transition period will be under taken for the next few months before Ray Ozzie leaves for good. He won’t be directly replaced, and the man hasn’t provided information about what he will do in the future. Steve Ballmer has nevertheless left the door open, stating that he hopes that Microsoft can continue to work with Ray Ozzie in the future.

Last month, another highly placed Microsoft employee resigned from the company. Stephen Elop resigned his post as manager of Microsoft’s Business division to become CEO of Nokia.