Microsoft's CEO bash draws big names
Luminaries from all corners of the business world will converge on greater Seattle this week for Microsoft's annual CEO summit.
The annual three-day event, in its third year, gives business leaders the chance to discuss issues related to technology and the Internet with Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates and a number of other executives.
The guest list this year includes Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and homemaker extraordinaire Martha Stewart, along with more tech-focused attendees, such as Dell Computer chief Michael Dell.
The summit underscores Microsoft's vast reach in the corporate world due to its dominant position in the software arena as well as in the technology world. The event will be held on the company's corporate campus in Redmond, Washington. Gates plans to address attendees Wednesday.
Also planned is an exclusive dinner at Gates' $60 million home.
Gates has recently stressed his views on software for the corporate world, highlighted by the release of his book, a treatise on the advantages technology and the Net can bring to corporate productivity called "Business @ the Speed of Thought."
The software giant also plans to roll out a partnership with Xerox tomorrow in a separate event in Silicon Valley. Microsoft reportedly wants to tie its Windows software more closely to Xerox's network-based digital copiers.
"It is our intention to make an announcement that Xerox and Microsoft are collaborating, on technology that will help people become a lot more productive in the digital office," a Xerox spokesman told Reuters.
Reuters contributed to this report.