Microsoft Shake-Up

MICROSOFT SHAKE-UP: Robbie Bach and J Allard, principals in Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division, are leaving the company, with CEO Steve Ballmer takiing control over consumer businesses, including the company’s struggling mobile unit. The exit of the 48-year-old Bach, President of the division from its inception five years ago, will leave the existing Xbox and Windows Mobile heads reporting to Ballmer, starting in July. The 41-year-old Allard, the force behind the creation of the Xbox and Zune, will remain as an advisor to Ballmer, though his departure could harm Microsoft’s attempts to compete with Apple and others in product design and development, according to tech experts. (5/25a)