Henry Sanders

Henry Sanders, a longtime Microsoft engineer who specializes in Windows networking technologies, has shifted to work in the Windows Mobile group -- another example of the company attempting to put more horsepower behind its mobile initiatives.

Windows Mobile chief Andy Lees acknowledged Sanders' move during an interview Friday afternoon. Lees declined to provide any details about Sanders' new role, and it's not clear when he made the change. However, Lees explained in general that the influx of people from other areas reflects Microsoft's desire to "make sure we're doing the right thing for mobile."

"I think we've been successful, but really we've looked at it and we've said we want to evolve our strategy and we are really focusing on mobile. You're seeing the beginning of that right now," Lees said. "You're going to see more of it certainly this year. ... Part of having more talent move to work on the mobile team is recognition of that's what we're doing."

Microsoft this morning made a series of announcements at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, including a new version of its Windows Mobile software. But Lees and others at the company made it clear last week that more projects are in the works. During the interview, Lees declined to discuss any details of Microsoft's plans to bring the Zune software and services to Windows Mobile phones.

The Redmond company is trying to regain its momentum in the mobile phone market as the iPhone gains ground in the consumer market. Other devices, such as Nokia and BlackBerry, also remain strong competitors.

Previously, Microsoft acknowledged that former Windows Media Center executive Joe Belfiore and Windows Home Server GM Charlie Kindel moved to the mobile business, joining former Microsoft Exchange executive Terry Myerson. Lees himself came over from the Windows Server group last year.

The move by Sanders may reflect a desire by Microsoft to improve the networking capabilities in Windows Mobile -- such as more seamless integration between a mobile device and home network, said Matt Rosoff, analyst at Directions on Microsoft research firm in Kirkland.

Sanders was most recently listed as general manager of core networking and collaboration in the Windows Networking group. An engineer at Microsoft since the late 1980s, he has been a central figure in the development of the company's networking technologies. I've asked Microsoft for information on how his previous position is being filled, and I'll update this post depending on the response.