Microsoft Hosts Technology Summit for CEOs

SEATTLE, May 8, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today opened the first full day of the Microsoft® CEO Summit: The Business/Technology Imperative, being held May 8 and 9 in Seattle. The summit, hosted by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates, is a forum being attended by CEOs from more than 100 corporations around the world., The summit is intended to open a dialogue among top business leaders about the ways technology is transforming corporate structures, and its future impact on society, business and government. The summit is being co-hosted by Forbes Magazine.

Highlighting the summit will be a speech by Vice President Al Gore in which he will discuss the government’s role in encouraging innovation and speeding the development of the new economy. Gates will open the summit with a keynote speech on how technology can produce value for customers, shareholders and society. Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor in chief of Forbes Magazine, will deliver a presentation on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses as they adapt to rapid technological change. Washington Gov. Gary Locke will welcome participants to Seattle.

“Technological advancement has ushered in a new age and enables corporations to achieve greater efficiency, faster time-to-market, and a closer relationship with customers than ever before,”
Gates said.
“The way in which technology will change business, and business’s relationship with customers will be among the most profound changes in society in the next 20 to 30 years. We want to begin a dialogue with CEOs about how that change can help customers and bring value to shareholders. These changes can also spur economic growth in all areas of the country and the world.”
Gates will discuss this theme in his talk kicking off the summit and in round tables with other CEOs during the summit.

Presentations and round-table discussions during the summit will focus on topics including the following:

  • Ways in which the synergy between business and technology can produce value for customers, shareholders and society

  • Where technology is going and how it will change global business models

  • Organizational, marketplace and global challenges presented by technology

  • Lessons learned from the pioneers in electronic commerce

  • The rules – and who makes them – in the global digital marketplace

  • How organizations can innovate and refine their business models to embrace the technology revolution

  • Ideas and actions to take for a new relationship with technology

Gates will adjourn the summit on Friday afternoon with conclusions and a look to the future. Forbes Management Conference Group provided programming and logistical support for the Microsoft CEO Summit.

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.

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