Perhaps taking a page from the playbook of Microsoft (MSFT), ExciteAtHome announced that chairman and CEO Tom Jermoluk was stepping aside while president George Bell would assume the role of CEO. Just as the more-celebrated switch at Microsoft, Jermoluk would stay on as chairman of the board.

Tom Jermoluk, calling in from a room separate from Bell and the other executives, announced that Bell would become CEO. "Last year, I got to work on stuff a little less fun, like working on our partner strategy and on the open access debate," he said. "Those things are behind us, and I'm going to pursue some more interesting stuff."

That 'stuff' includes working on new distribution, including wireless and DSL technology to complement the company's cable access, as well as extending the company's current contracts with its cable partners.

Unlike Microsoft's Bill Gates, whose job security has never been in doubt, Jermoluk has been embroiled in boardroom debates for the better part of the last year. With the company facing fierce opposition from lobbyists fighting to kill the company's exclusive contracts with its cable partners, it has been a hard year for Jermoluk.

But the company insists that the moves do not upset the dynamics of the executive roles. When asked about the Microsoft announcement last week, Jermoluk called the announcement a "smart move. What a great way to simplify their lives," he said. "That way, (new CEO Steve) Ballmer becomes the point man for the company, so Bill has more time for his stuff. And who's going to complain if they send Gates to a meeting when Ballmer is busy?"

Like Microsoft, ExciteAtHome had announced the role division many months ago. Back then, Bell was going to take over day-to-day operational duties, while Jermoluk would handle high-level duties. Today's announcement appeared to formalize the division with the change of titles.

On the earnings front, ExciteAtHome announced it has turned a profit for the first time, as the company promised it would do this quarter. The company announced a profit of $514,000, compared to the loss of $4.5 million for the same period a year ago. The embattled company seems to have emerged from a tough year in good standing, and is feeling feisty.

"We are nobody's stepchild," says Bell. "We're ExciteAtHome, we are the leaders in broadband."