Bill Gates Predicts Exciting New Opportunities for Cable Operators

Bill Gates Predicts Exciting New Opportunities for Cable Operators

ATLANTA, May 4, 1998 — Speaking of
“a time of incredible opportunity and promise,”
Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corp., addressed the 50th anniversary of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) in Atlanta today. Gates outlined his view of some of the possibilities that new technology offers cable operators.

“Advances in chip technology and unprecedented investments in software development will change the role of the TV in the future,”
Gates said.
“Cable companies have tremendous advantages, as you look at their broadband network leading to 70 percent of American homes. And Microsoft wants to be the technology partner that helps cable companies turn that vision of the future into reality.”

Gates predicted that the next 10 years would see a whole new array of services offered to consumers from cable operators.
“Intelligent set-top boxes will enable TVs to serve as personal assistants, news and information managers, even movie and TV reviewers.”

According to Gates, in even less time cable companies should be able to offer personal finance and telephone services.

Microsoft made several announcements at the NCTA convention, highlighting its desire to work with the cable industry. These included interactive programming announcements with E! Entertainment, the
“Baywatch”
television program and the Weather Channel, and announcements of relationship with Cisco Systems Inc., Motorola Inc. and CableData. The Microsoft booth on the show floor included a technology demonstration with General Instruments, showing advancements in digital receivers for the home.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors : If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

Related Posts