Microsoft has poached an IoT leader from Cisco Systems to continue its own developments in the Internet of Things. Tony Shakib has been one of Cisco's IoT leaders and engineers. Microsoft has been growing its IoT ambitions over recent years and Shakib will now help the growth.
Tony Shakib has served as vice president of Internet of Everything Vertical Solutions Engineering at Cisco. He has led the company's IoT platforms and to help connect with partners. Shakib has led Cisco's customer-driven IoT needs. He has fronted prototypes and solutions for the last seven years.
Under his new role, Shakib now becomes general manager of Microsoft's IoT Intelligent Cloud business. Cisco has confirmed that he has left the company, but did not expand on the reasons. Microsoft declined to comment.
As the new head of Microsoft's Internet of Things division, Shakib will front the company's various avenues in the industry.
Microsoft is among the leading IoT companies and has been developing numerous solutions across the space. Microsoft will be bringing Cortana to IoT devices, the company said recently. The integration will be included as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, which arrives this spring.
The virtual assistant will be introduced to IoT devices as diverse as small computing solutions, smart home devices, and in-car technology.
Microsoft's Internet of Things
Tony Shakib will be heading up a division that already has plenty of momentum behind it. 2016 was a big year for the company's IoT push. Microsoft has launched starter packs for devices, expanded IoT through platforms like Azure and Windows 10 IoT Core. Also, the company has branched out with a number partnerships.
Shakib's departure from Cisco follows the company's engineering personnel reshuffle in 2016. A number of respected employees have left the company, including the former chief technology officer and enterprise engineering leader.
