Abstracts » Business, general

As big as Microsoft: ribbing Gates

Article Abstract:

William H. Gates and his software company, Microsoft, are increasingly becoming the targets of cyberspace taunts. Such communication is taking place over E-mail, the World Wide Web and commercially available CD-ROMs. An anonymous user created the 'Pie Bill Gates' computer game, which started circulation as an attachment to E-mail messages. The object is to click on Gates' face as it emerges from 13 circles that resemble potholes. Score is kept and tallied after 30 seconds. Another games mocks Gates' attire, and a screen saver depicts numerous infant Gateses wearing heavy sunglasses and falling from a cloudy blue sky that calls to mind Windows. One prankster said he created many online anti-Microsoft jokes as a protest against Microsoft, which he said has created disappointing products and policies, as well as using greed to corner the market. Gates and Microsoft are not taking the taunts seriously.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Public relations, Company public relations

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Bill Gates goes vertical

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's decision to buy 11.5% of Comcast Cable Communications may prove to be the important event that sets the convergence between the entertainment and information industries into motion. The result would be the merging of the television set and the computer by melding their functions and technologies. Bill Gates is learning slowly that entertainment is what captures the public's attention and that entertainment is where money can be made. Microsoft will have to begin offering products outside of the limited market of operating systems, interfaces and education and business programs, and branch out into the limitless market of entertainment. For Microsoft to succeed in the entertainment arena, it will have to become a conglomerate similar to Disney, Time Warner and Fox.

Internet services, Company investment, Investments, Company internet strategy, Entertainment industry, Comcast Cable Communications Inc.

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Microsoft's chief salesman named second in command; Gates to hand over some responsibilities

Article Abstract:

Microsoft promoted Executive VP of Sales and Support Steven A. Ballmer to president. The expected move allows Microsoft Chmn William H. Gates to delegate some of his daily management chores and focus on long-term technology and product issues. The 42-year-old Ballmer also emerges as the No. 2 Microsoft leader and heir apparent to Gates. Ballmer has commanded attention in the computer industry for selling corporate customers on Microsoft products. He is an aggressive and animated Microsoft advocate who has been the harshest Microsoft critic of the Justice Department's antitrust scrutiny. Gates circulated an internal E-mail to Microsoft's 25,000 employees, saying the move cements a company commitment to prevail in the new Internet software and electronic commerce markets.

Management, Officials and employees, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Ballmer, Steve, Company executive, Computer executives, Company Business Management

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