From DOS to .NET, Microsoft Celebrates 25 Years of Software Innovation

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 5, 2000 — Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp. chairman and chief software architect, and Steve Ballmer, Microsoft president and CEO, today charged Microsoft employees with making the next 25 years even more innovative and exciting than the last 25. At an all-company Safeco Field event commemorating the company’s 25th anniversary, Gates and Ballmer discussed both Microsoft and industry milestones over the last 25 years and charted Microsoft’s vision and goals for the future.

“Everyone is amazed at how far the industry has come. But in thinking about what will be possible within the next 25 years, we’ve really just begun,”
Gates said.
“Back in 1975, Paul Allen and I saw the potential to turn a hobbyist’s personal computer into a device that would revolutionize the world. In 25 years, we’ve accomplished a lot of things people said were impossible and we’ve shattered every myth about what the PC can do. But stand back, because the best is yet to come. I’m confident that we’ll have even more impressive things to remember in our 50th year. We’ve got the people and the skills to make it happen, and we’re just as passionate today about technology as we were back in 1975.”

Ballmer echoed the challenge.
“As we look ahead, we must deliver on the promise of Microsoft .NET, which is our biggest opportunity yet. .NET will change computing as dramatically as any development since the PC generation began,”
he said.
“Over the next few years, we’ve got our work cut out for us in creating and enabling .NET. But we’ve got a clear road map, an unparalleled product line, fantastic leaders and incredible employees. It’s our employees — doing the best work of their lives, creating breakthrough innovations and revolutionary software — who will make that happen.”

Microsoft® .NET (pronounced
“dot-net”
) is a new platform, user experience and set of advanced software services that will make all devices work together and connect seamlessly. It will make Internet-based computing and communications easier to use, more personalized, and more productive for businesses and consumers.

Microsoft was founded in 1975 with three employees and first-year revenues of $16,005. The company went public in 1986. A purchase of one share in the IPO for $21 would equate to 144 shares today. Microsoft is currently the world’s largest software company, with 39,904 employees worldwide and revenues of $22.96 billion.

The following events are all part of the Microsoft 25th anniversary celebration:

  • Safeco Field event. On Sept. 5, more than 20,000 Puget Sound area employees gathered at Safeco Field for a company meeting, hosted by Gates and Ballmer and special guest and comedian Sinbad. A closed-circuit broadcast of the event went out to the more than 70 Microsoft international and field office locations. Following the Safeco Field event, employees moved to the adjacent Stadium Expo Center for a
    “retro”
    party with music and dancing, in honor of the year Microsoft was founded.

  • Microsoft Museum Open House. On Sept. 9-10, the Microsoft Museum will open its doors for those interested in learning more about the history of Microsoft and the industry through interactive exhibits. Visitors can also try out the latest Microsoft games software and send personalized picture postcards to friends over the Internet. The Microsoft Museum is located at:

  • Commemorative 25th Anniversary book:


    Inside Out, Microsoft-In Our Own Words.
    This 11×11 inch, 328-page hardcover photojournalistic book was written collectively by over 1,000 Microsoft employees for Microsoft employees. Published by Warner Books, the book will be distributed to all Microsoft employees as a memento and will be publicly available as a limited edition on Sept. 20 from major U.S. bookstores. On Oct. 5, the book will be available in English worldwide. More information about the anniversary, the book
    “Inside Out,”
    and/or the Microsoft Museum (including directions) can be found online at http://www.microsoft.com/ms25 .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

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

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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