Microsoft Outlines Commitment to Integrating PC Platform with the Internet

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates briefed press and analysts on the company's plans to support and enhance the Internet by integrating the PC platform with the rapidly emerging public network. Gates emphasized the company's commitment to providing continuity between PCs and the Internet, enabling users to leverage their existing investments in PCs and take advantage of new investments in the Internet.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is investing in integrating the PC platform with the Internet, with a focus on providing continuity and rich new content incorporating multimedia, 3-D, and intelligent assistance.
  • The company aims to make the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems and the Microsoft Office platform the best vehicle for business use of the Internet.
  • Over 20 products and technologies were demonstrated as part of the briefing, including an integrated World Wide Web browser for Windows 95 and Internet-based business applications.
  • Microsoft is creating best-of-breed, quality implementations of key Internet and Windows-based specifications and providing developers with a unified approach to developing applications that span both Windows and the Internet.
  • The company is collaborating with other companies, including Oracle, CompuServe, and Spyglass, on various Internet technologies.
  • Businesses will adopt the Internet for internal business use, known as an Intranet, and Microsoft is focusing on making its products and strategies best suited for this purpose.
  • Many of the new products and features announced are expected to be available within the next 90 days, with the rest scheduled to be available within the next twelve months.

Statistics:

  • 150 million users of Windows
  • 4.5 million developers for Windows
  • 20 products and technologies demonstrated during the briefing
  • 90 days: expected availability of many new products and features
  • 12 months: expected availability of remaining new products and features
  • 1 billion: estimated number of PCs worldwide that could be connected to the internet (estimated)

Sources:

  • Microsoft: Chairman and CEO, Bill Gates
  • PR Newswire: press release announcing Microsoft's briefing on integrating PC platform with the Internet
  • Microsoft: press release outlining company's commitment to supporting and enhancing the Internet
  • Various companies mentioned in the press release, including Oracle, CompuServe, and Spyglass
  • Microsoft Web page: http://www.microsoft.com/corpinfo/pr.htm