Microsoft 2003

Launch of GTSC (Global Technical Support Center) in Bangalore, India
January 16 Microsoft declares annual dividend

April 16 Windows Server System™ replaces .NET Enterprise Servers as the first official portfolio name that encompasses more than a dozen Microsoft server software offerings, including Windows Server™ 2003. The new Windows Server System brand change informs customers that Windows Server 2003 is at the heart of the company’s server strategy and that Microsoft’s server software offerings are being designed around a common architecture to ensure interoperability.

April 24 Windows Server 2003 launches. It is the largest software development project in Microsoft history to date.

June 23 Microsoft announces Windows Mobile, a new global brand for Microsoft software for mobile devices such as Pocket PCs and smart phones. The new Windows Mobile brand helps customers more readily understand and identify the software inside Pocket PCs and smart phones and the consistent experience they can expect.

October 9 Microsoft opens the inaugural Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference for its global network of industry partners, highlighting resources to drive the success of its industry partners, the innovation of its technology offerings, and a renewed commitment to helping partners capture opportunity.

October 21 Microsoft announces the general availability of the new Microsoft Office System, along with research that shows how leading companies are already gaining a competitive advantage from Microsoft Office System productivity solutions.

November 3 Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) announces the founding of the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Beijing, China, a new division that is to focus on further developing innovations produced in the lab.

November 11 Microsoft shareholders approve the addition of two new directors, Charles H. Noski and Helmut Panke, increasing the size of its board of directors from eight to 10 members.

Microsoft 1992

Digital Equipment Corporation announces a new architecture with its RISC based ALPHA processor. Designed to accelerate high end graphics functions, the Alpha sets a new precedent for processor power.

2/3/92 With the departure of Mike Hallman, Microsoft creates an “Office of the President” headed by three executive vice presidents: Steve Ballmer, worldwide sales and support; Frank Gaudette, worldwide operations; and Mike Maples, worldwide products. Windows continues to roll, with releases of Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups. The company launches its first television advertising campaign. To bolster its presence in the database market, Microsoft merges with Fox Software, Inc.

3/1/92 Microsoft announces that Michael Hallman is stepping down as the President of Microsoft and as a member of the Board of Directors. He will become a consultant to the Company. His position is filled by the newly created three-member “Office of the President.”

3/1/92 Microsoft kicks off its first-ever television advertising campaign. The TV ads are designed to demonstrate the benefits of Windows-based computing to a new, broader audience. The campaign was developed by the Ogilvy & Mather Agency in Los Angeles.

3/24/92 Microsoft and Fox Software Inc. of Perrysburg, Ohio, announce that they intend to merge the two companies. Under the terms of the letter of intent, Microsoft will exchange approximately 1.36 million shares of its common stock for all of the outstanding stock of Fox Software.

4/6/92 Microsoft ships Microsoft Windows 3.1 with over 1,000 enhancements. The new version created unprecedented user demand with over one million advance orders placed worldwide. To help customers, Microsoft has trained thousands of resellers and has in place more than 500 product support personnel

4/27/92 Microsoft announces that its Board of Directors has approved a 3-for-2 stock split. Shareholders will receive one additional share for every two Microsoft shares held on the record date of June 3, 1992. Cash will be paid in lieu of the issuance of any fractional shares.

10/27/92 Microsoft announces the worldwide availability of Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1 which integrates networking and workgroup functionality directly into Windows 3.1. The product allows common activities of sending electronic mail, scheduling group meetings, sharing files and printers, managing calendars, and working together on groups projects. It can provide networking capabilities on its own, or it can be used as a client on an existing local area network

11/16/92 Microsoft announces the immediate availability of Microsoft Access Database for Windows, at Fall/COMDEX ‘92. The new, fully-featured and fully relational DBMS provides easy, transparent access to data; powerful, usability-tested tools; and a robust development environment.

On Feb. 3, 1992, Michael Hallman announces that he is stepping down as the president of Microsoft and as a member of the board of directors, effective March 1, 1992. He continues as a consultant to the company.
On March 1, 1992 The Office of the President (3/1/92 — 12/96), which reported directly to Bill Gates, filled Hallman’s vacant position. The Office of the President was filled by three existing executive vice presidents:
* Steven A. Ballmer, formerly senior vice president, systems software
* Francis J. Gaudette, formerly senior vice president, finance and administration, and chief financial officer
* Michael J. Maples, formerly senior vice president, applications division

Stats
Revenue: $2,758,725,000
Employees: 11,542
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups wins an award for technical excellence from PC Magazine.

International

Word 2.0 for Windows is offered in 22 languages.