Gates Outlines Microsoft’s
“Windows Principles”
at Windows World
CHICAGO, April 20, 1998 — Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corp., today outlined a set of
“Windows® Principles” that are at the core of the development of future Microsoft® products, including the Windows 98 and Windows NT® 5.0 operating systems. Gates told nearly 4,000 attendees at the annual Windows World and COMDEX/Spring ’98 gathering that Windows 98 is a prime example of the Windows Principles at work and underscores the consumers benefits of continuing to integrate new features and functionality into the operating system.
“These Windows Principles are truly what drives the development of Microsoft’s products,”
Gates said.
“It’s all about maximizing customer benefit by offering the widest choice of software and hardware, increasing customer value through a broad range of third-party solutions and services, and maximizing the benefits of the PC for even more people through our continued investment in innovation and efforts to make the PC simpler to use.”
During the speech, Gates also outlined a new Microsoft white paper,
“Integration, Innovation and the PC,”
which describes how the integration of new features and services in Windows benefits both independent software developers and consumers. The white paper is available on the Web at http://www.microsoft.com/innovation/ .
Windows Principles
In describing the Windows Principles, Gates outlined for developers the key principles around which Microsoft has built its business:
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Maximize customer value by offering the widest range of software choices at the best prices. Support the development of value-driven third-party software through full disclosure and equal access to all Windows APIs, as well as collaborative development that supports ISVs building for the Windows platform.
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Maximize customer value by offering the best choice of hardware and peripherals at the most affordable prices. Work in collaboration with companies such as Intel Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Computer Corp., Cisco Systems Inc. and thousands of others who share the vision of high-performance, low-cost computing.
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Maximize customer benefit by offering the most comprehensive choices of third-party solutions and services. Work to support the success of third-party solution providers and consulting and services firms to meet the escalating customer demand for the latest and most advanced solutions, training and support.
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Maximize the benefits of the PC for even more people through investment in innovation and efforts to make PCs simpler to use. Work to make computers easier and less expensive to use, and create the PC that learns, listens, sees and talks.
Windows 98 Attracting Consumer Interest
Gates also used his keynote address to showcase the cutting-edge Internet, television, video and other technical capabilities of Windows 98. He said customer anticipation for the latest Windows release is growing for four key reasons: It is easier, more reliable and manageable, faster and more entertaining.
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Windows 98 takes Plug and Play to a new level by supporting hardware innovations with a new Universal Serial Bus (USB).
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Windows 98 improves system performance and will save time by launching applications up to one-third faster than with Windows 95.
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Windows 98 represents a leap forward in the convergence of the World Wide Web, the PC, television, games and other media.
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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Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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