Microsoft's cloud pivot (2014-2015)
Satya Nadella became Microsoft CEO in February 2014 and moved the company toward cloud computing. In July 2014, Microsoft announced 18,000 layoffs, mostly from the Nokia phone division it had just acquired. The company cut another 7,800 jobs in 2015.
Microsoft's stock initially fell but recovered as cloud revenue grew.
Microsoft became the second-largest cloud provider, and its market value tripled under Nadella.
Like Oracle today, Microsoft restructured around a new technology (cloud) while cutting legacy businesses. The pivot was painful but ultimately positioned the company for growth.
