Marking a shift in its mobile plans, Microsoft has announced the acquisition of Danger, a handset manufacturer, while simultaneously bidding farewell to Pieter Knook, the head of its wireless phone division.
Knook will leave Microsoft on March 10 for Vodafone, according to an InfoWorld story. Andrew Lees, who heads up Microsoft's server and tools group, is expected to replace him.
Meanwhile, Michael Sievert, currently in charge of Windows marketing, and Steve Berkowitz, a manager of Microsoft's online business, are also expected to be leaving the company, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
As for the Danger acquisition, the move is a first for Microsoft, which had previously left mobile hardware to other firms. Danger makes T-Mobile's Sidekick. Microsoft is expected to pay $500 million for the firm, according to CNET News.
