(Telecompaper) Microsoft is preparing to make Satya Nadella, the company's enterprise and cloud chief, its new CEO and is discussing replacing Bill Gates as chairman, people with knowledge of the process told Bloomberg. Microsoft's lead independent director John Thompson is among the candidates to replace Gates as chairman. However, even if Gates steps down as chairman, he may be more involved in the company, particularly in areas like product development, two sources said. Nadella, 46, emerged as one of the stronger candidates to replace departing CEO Steve Ballmer weeks ago, people familiar with the search said. The plans still aren't final though. Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and has had leadership roles in cloud services, server software, internet search and business applications.