Scoble Leaves Microsoft - World Still Spins

Michael Gartenberg | June 12, 2006, 08:16 AM

By now, unless you live under a rock or just don't read or care about technology weblogs, you know that Robert Scoble is leaving Microsoft to go to startup PodTech. I normally wouldn't be writing about an event like this, except I've gotten quite a few calls to comment on the implications for Robert, PodTech and Microsoft. It's a little odd, since I had fewer calls about the last big re-org at Microsoft. I'm not amazed at this though, Robert's done a good job over the last few years building up his brand and for many, he became the human face of Microsoft, hence all the fuss.

So what are the implications? Well, for PodTech, they hired someone that's got a lot of buzz going for them and the work Robert's done at Microsoft will map well into what they're trying to do. For Robert? Well, you have to ask Robert that.

But what about Microsoft? Who will fill his shoes? What does this mean for them? Seriously folks, Robert's a good guy and has done a lot of good for Microsoft but this isn't that big a deal. Robert doesn't write code, ship product, create marketing campaigns or sell software. That's why this doesn't mean a lot nor will it likely have any impact. I suspect Sanjay Parthasarathy, who leads the evangelism team over at Redmond would have preferred Robert stay on, I also think he'll have no problem finding someone to succeed him pretty quickly. As my grandfather was fond of saying, "the cemeteries are full of people who couldn't be replaced".