In a corporate maneuver validating that businesses are adopting the cloud computing model, several online sites are reporting that Microsoft will be laying off thousands of employees. The cuts are falling largely on Microsoft’s sales force. Microsoft is intent on increasing its emphasis on its growing cloud computing business, and is reorganizing its sales force worldwide in response to business demand.

The news came as Microsoft’s cloud businesses continues to perform well; the commercial cloud run rate hit $15.2 billion during the March quarter, up from $14 billion in the previous quarter.

The sales force grew during the decade in which Microsoft grew into a dominant player in business software by selling out-of-the-box software licenses. In recent years, Microsoft has continued to transform its business by focusing on selling more of its cloud-based on-demand computing power, data storage and software cloud services. Microsoft is motivated to boost the technical expertise of its sales staff, even as it cuts roles seen as redundant or no longer necessary.

Small business usually lags larger enterprises in migrating towards business technology trends; however, the small business cloud movement is keeping pace with larger corporations. getFIT InfoTech strongly believes that in today’s cloud world, the costs and benefits of the cloud model justify small businesses committing to implementing cloud solutions.