VMware's Maritz Builds Crew -- Redmond Channel Partner

Barney's Blog

VMware's Maritz Builds Crew

ormer Microsoft hotshot Paul Maritz is now firmly in control of VMware and looking to protect VMware's business against increasingly aggressive Microsoft incursions. Now Maritz has a new ally: former Microsoft teammate and recent Borland CEO Tod Nielsen, who's now COO of VMware.

There are two interesting elements here. For one, Nielsen remains on the Borland board, meaning Borland could well have a VMware loyalist. And second, Nielsen is assuming an operational position, which seems to undersell some of his technical skills. My guess? Nielsen will be COO, but will play a major strategic role, as well.

As for Borland, the same week Nielsen left, the company passed out 130 pink slips. Happy New Year!

Posted by Doug Barney on January 12, 2009

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