Gates alerts Microsoft to big changes

A memo from the chairman and chief software architect to Microsoft's leadership ranks confronts the realities of online competition.

Gates warns of 'disruptive' changes

In a memo to top company executives, the software giant's chairman ponders the challenges posed by a host of online competitors.
November 8, 2005

Gates memo: Brace for 'services wave'

Microsoft chairman tells staff "to lead, we need to do far more," as company faces up to online rivals.
November 9, 2005

Ozzie memo: 'Internet services disruption'

Microsoft chief technical officer sees more work ahead in catching up with rivals offering free, ad-supported products.
November 9, 2005

At Microsoft, bringing CRM to the masses

newsmaker Customer relationship software should fit how people work, not the other way round, Microsoft's Brad Wilson says.
November 9, 2005

Three million Xbox 360s in three months?

That number should translate to about $1.5 billion in sales of consoles, games and accessories, company exec says.
November 8, 2005

Ballmer says Microsoft is different

newsmaker The CEO stakes out differences between Microsoft and the competition.
November 8, 2005

Long-awaited updates make debut

SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 upgrades finally released, along with low-cost versions and new BizTalk server.
November 7, 2005

Photos: SQL Server rocks on

Performance by seasoned rockers Cheap Trick sets the stage for CEO Steve Ballmer to unveil the updates.
November 7, 2005

Microsoft pitches Web tools to hosting companies

Targeting individuals and small businesses, Microsoft adds a hosting program to promote Visual Web Developer 2005 Express.
November 7, 2005

blogs

Visual Studio bug complaints surface

Anonymous blogger Mini-Microsoft complains about the quality of Visual Studio 2005, while Microsoft execs defend the release, bugs and all.
November 8, 2005

BizTalk launches, depending on how you define launch

It was included in Microsoft's show and tell on Monday, but BizTalk is several months away from commercial distribution.
November 7, 2005

At least Ballmer didn't say Athlon

Their alliance is more than 20 years old, and yet at times Microsoft and Intel make an awkward couple.
November 7, 2005

previous coverage

Windows Live rooted in MSN's past

Microsoft's new Web service, which debuted this week, owes much to MSN and a failed effort called "Hailstorm."
November 3, 2005

Photos: Windows Live and kicking

Microsoft demonstrates Windows Live Local, which would enable people to find nearby services using its Virtual Earth technology.
November 3, 2005

Google chase could trip up Microsoft

Analysts say Redmond's push into services is needed--but it risks rendering the company's ultraprofitable way of doing things obsolete.
November 1, 2005

Oracle to offer free database

Database giant looks to muscle into low-end database market and compete better against open source.
October 28, 2005

'Big bang' could be Microsoft's last

A flurry of new products will ship in the coming months, some more than five years in the making. That's too long, Microsoft concedes.
October 27, 2005

MySQL preps business upgrade

Open-source database MySQL 5.0, which brings features aimed at corporate customers, is set for release within the next 10 days.
October 18, 2005