Microsoft 2007 Annual Report Download - page 5

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PAGE 4
During fiscal 2007, community technology skills centers supported by Unlimited Potential reached more than
46 million people. Through our Partners in Learning program, we have helped provide information and
communications technology curriculum and skills training to more than 71 million primary and secondary teachers
and students in 101 countries.
At Microsoft, diversity and inclusion are also core values and we strive to be the industry leader in helping women
and minorities realize their potential. Within the company, we promote diversity at every level of the organization,
and in 2007, the number of women in senior executive positions increased more than 20 percent. We’re also
working to encourage more women and minorities to enter the technology industry through programs such as
DigiGirlz, which provides high school girls with opportunities to learn about careers in technology and take
advantage of hands-on technology workshops. And we’re committed to working in partnership with minority- and
women-focused organizations to help bring technology to diverse communities. One example is a $5 million
technology grant to the National Urban League.
A New Era of Innovation and Change
Microsoft was founded with the dream of putting a computer on every desk and in every home, and for more than
30 years our software has played a vital role in the positive cycle of innovation and progress that has given rise to
incredible new ways to communicate, share ideas, manage our businesses, and much more.
It’s amazing to look back and see how much progress we have made in the past three decades. But it’s even
more inspiring to look ahead and imagine a world where that dream embraces every country in every part of the
globe, empowering billions more people to participate in the knowledge economy. As this happens, new ideas will
emerge, new businesses will be launched, and important new advances will be made in science and medicine.
The result will be a wave of new innovations that will continue to make our lives richer, more productive and more
fulfilling. Because software is the foundation for the profound changes that lie ahead, Microsoft is in an ideal
position to take advantage of the incredible opportunities that lie before us.
It is your continued support that enables us to pursue these opportunities. Thank you.
William H. Gates III
Chairman of the Board
Steven A. Ballmer
Chief Executive Officer