Microsoft plans to broadly raise salaries and stock awards to attract and retain top talent, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said.

The action follows Google�s 10% increases this year. Microsoft plans, among other things, �important� compensation increases for divisions with fast-moving markets, including research and development and certain geographies.All employees will have a portion of their stock awards shifted into base salary, according to the memo. Microsoft�s shares are at the same level as 10 years ago.