Microsoft - Stock Not Options. A Harbinger of a New Age for Employee Compensation?

Microsoft stock options which in the distant past made many millions, have not worked as well in the last few years because of market conditions. Recognizing that, Microsoft will now give stock rather than options to employees, albeit a diminished amount. The wire service story carried in the Austin American Statesman notes local option king, Dell, is not yet commenting on its course. It will be interesting to see whether this is a watershed change or a one off. As might be expected the Corporate Law Blog has a more detailed report of what this means.