Don Dodge

One of the high-profile casualties of Microsoft's latest layoff appears to have landed on his feet ... at Google. Don Dodge, who lost his job as director of business development at Microsoft's Emerging Business Team less than two weeks ago, has apparently landed a similar gig at the Silicon Valley search giant, reports TechCrunch.

Dodge is well known and well respected in the startup community, so one has to wonder why Microsoft would cut him loose. And even worse, how could Microsoft suffer the PR setback of watching him go to Google? [Update: Post updated with Dodge confirming his new job, and explaining why he's switching from Microsoft products to Gmail, Google Docs, Chrome and Android].

TechCrunch publisher Michael Arrington has been pretty critical of Microsoft for letting Dodge go, writing on the day of the layoff that his opinion of the software giant had "dropped a notch."

Arrington reports tonight that Dodge will work on Google Apps, reporting to former Microsoftie Vic Gundotra who has worked at Google for the past two years.

Dodge has kept a pretty upbeat attitude following his layoff from Microsoft, commenting on TechFlash and other tech blogs about how he was excited about opening the next chapter in his career.

Just a few days ago, he had this to say in a blog post.

"Getting dumped by Microsoft was a life changing event…for the better. The future is very bright. The opportunities are amazing. But, there are thousands of other people who have been laid off from Microsoft and other companies where the prospects are not so bright. I ask each and every one of you to do whatever you can to help these people."

Dodge has exhibited nothing but class in what has to be a tough situation. Now, it appears that Dodge is taking those business skills -- but more importantly his personality -- to Google.

UPDATE: Dodge confirms his new job in a post on his blog: "Thanks Microsoft, Hello Google." In the post, Dodge said he was contacted by Google's Gundrota 90 minutes after the layoff news hit. He writes:

"That fast decisive action was refreshing, and such a contrast to the slow, secretive, bureaucracy at Microsoft. That speed and decisiveness also reflects different approaches to hiring great people, building great products and serving customers well. I have always admired Google. I am excited to now be part of the team. My job at Google will be helping developers (and startups) build great products and services using Google technology and platforms. Google is building world class products for companies of all sizes, but especially the enterprise market. I will be part of the team to make that happen. Last week started a new personal journey for me. One without Microsoft. So, why not move forward without Microsoft technology, and try the new alternatives? Old habits die hard, but these were actually pretty easy to break."

Dodge goes on to offer his insights on dumping every Microsoft product in favor of those from Google.

He has already switched to Gmail, noting that Outlook was getting a "little tired." He's giving up on Microsoft Office, writing that Google Docs offers everything that the Microsoft software package does. He's abandoing his Windows Mobile phone, switching to Google Android which he calls "beautiful." And he's replaced Internet Explorer with Google Chrome, which he says "starts faster, loads pages faster, and is easier to use."

The post reflects some of the bigger challenges facing Microsoft as computer users shift to the cloud computing-based platforms.

Dodge tells TechFlash that he will be moving to Mountain View, Calif. after the holidays, where he be working with developers to help them build new applications with Google technologies. He says "startups will always be my first love," and as part of that he plans to focus much of his time on that ecosystem.

Dodge also says that he plans to spend about 20 percent of his time working with Google Ventures.

John Cook is co-founder of TechFlash. Follow on Twitter @johnhcook.