In recent months, many Microsoft executives have gone on sabbatical but not returned. Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's chief technology officer for the past 14 years, said earlier this year that he would not return full time to the company after his leave of absence. Internet executive Pete Higgins and former senior vice president for applications Brad Silverberg also departed after an extended leave. Microsoft has been tinkering with its structure for some time. In January, Bill Gates handed over the CEO title to Steve Ballmer.
Gates now serves as chairman and chief software architect.
Allchin, who took a public beating for his role in the Microsoft antitrust trial last year, will come back to Microsoft in September, according to a spokesman. Allchin oversaw the launch of Windows 2000 in February, described by the company as the biggest software development project to date. NGWS is set to be unveiled June 10. However, it won't come out as a product until later in the fall, when Allchin is expected to return. Inc. All rights reserved.