Microsoft Celebrates Windows 20th Anniversary

Mississauga, ON, October 21, 2005: Microsoft Canada Co. celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Microsoft Windows operating system yesterday, and ushered in the third decade of Windows, with the help of Canadian customers and technology partners. Twenty years is a veritable century in the technology space, said Microsoft, where developments such as the shift to 64-bit computing and storage and networking bandwidth growth allow for faster, more powerful, computers. 

Since launching in 1985, Windows has attracted more than 300 million users and 300 OEMs worldwide. The next version, called Windows Vista, will focus on improving the Windows fundamentals: security, deployment, manageability and performance, so that, IT professionals and end users can have more confidence in their PCs. Windows Vista, Microsoft explains, will also deliver clear ways to organize, use information, and seamlessly connect to people and devices. 

"As Windows enters its third decade, we see more opportunities than ever to transform powerful technologies into exciting new capabilities," commented David Hemler, President, Microsoft Canada Co. "We are set to kick-start another era of innovation for the Canadian IT ecosystem that thrives on the Windows-based platform." 

In celebration of the anniversary of Windows, Microsoft recognized the accomplishments of customers and technology partners who it says have "pushed the boundaries of computing". Some examples include B.C.-based Kal Tire, one of the largest tire sales and service organizations in North America, who, working with Habanero Consulting, implemented a Windows XP-based CRM solution, and placed Tablet PCs with field sales and service people; and Toronto-based Panorama, who provides enterprise-ready business intelligence solutions on top of the Microsoft-based platform.  In addition, Microsoft recognized several Canadian OEMs who it says continue to foster a healthy ecosystem for technological innovation, including Dell Canada, Fujitsu Canada, Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co., Motion Computing, and Toshiba.               

"The most significant trend as we enter the third decade of Windows is that all of these new computing capabilities are moving to where the people are: the edge of the network," said Elliot Katz, Senior Product Manager, Windows Client, Microsoft Canada Co. "We believe that when Windows Vista ships, Microsoft will enter a new era of innovation and growth for the software industry and a renewed public focus on the potential of the PC."           

[Photo: David Hemler, Presiden,t Microsoft Canada Co., celebrates the third decade of Windows with Anthony Chiarelli, 16-year-old developer from Hamilton, ON.]