New York - Microsoft Corp was to reorganize its online services to try to increase focus on its internet business as the head of its online division was set to leave the company, The Wall Street Journal said Thursday.

Microsoft announced Wednesday that Kevin Johnson, the influential head of its online division was joining the network hardware maker Juniper Networks Inc.

Johnson is widely regarded as one of the architects of Microsoft's failed takeover attempt of the internet portal Yahoo Inc.

Microsoft's platform and services division is to be split into two groups, one in charge of the Windows operating system and a second for Microsoft online services.

Microsoft invested billions of dollars into its online business in the past years with limited success.

Rival Google Inc remains the dominant force in online advertising while competition for Microsoft is increasing in office software as other companies offer such products on the internet. (dpa)