One of the core architects of Windows Vista is leaving Microsoft weeks after it emerged he would be re-assigned once Vista operating system is launched. Valentine led Windows code engineering for seven years and is joining Amazon as a senior vice president. Former group vice president Jim Allchin is also headed out.

Brian Valentine, the vice president for Microsoft's core operating system division, is reportedly leaving Microsoft after 19 years to join internet retailer Amazon. His exit comes after it emerged Valentine was being replaced by Jon DeVaan, who is currently in charge of Microsoft's engineering standards, while no role had been earmarked for Valentine.

Former group vice president Jim Allchin is also headed out. Allchin was responsible for Windows product delivery, engineering and technical architecture but was elevated to a broader, shared responsibility as platform and services division co-president. Allchin will leave Microsoft, after 16 years, once Windows Vista has shipped. Link

It is obvious heads will roll (even innocent ones) and people will leave after such major failure, even by Microsoft standards. However a core architect and a Vice President leaving in tandem doesn't bode well for Vista and future versions of Windows or even Microsoft. Shareholders should be worried.

In a different news Microsoft set the retail price for Vista at between $100 and $259 for users upgrading from older versions of Windows. The prices range from the basic version of Vista to the top-end "ultimate" edition.

For consumers looking to buy Vista without an upgrade, the products will cost between $199 to $399.