Microsoft 2009 Annual Report Download - page 4

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• New scenario innovation: We are entering a period where continuing improvement in the power of
computers and devices and the speed and ubiquity of networks is creating opportunities to address significant
global issues including healthcare, environmental sustainability, and education. Software that enables people
without specialized programming skills to quickly create models and simulations will transform scientific
research and have a dramatic impact on a wide range of industries, from financial services, to engineering,
aerospace, manufacturing, more.
In the coming years, we will also see a dramatic transformation in the way people access and use digital
technology at home, at work, and while traveling. Ubiquitous connectivity across devices will enable people to
utilize data, applications, and social networks anywhere and at anytime. Rich client productivity tools, Web-
based applications, unified communication solutions, and integrated business productivity servers and
services will open the door to dramatic productivity gains. A new generation of software and services for the
enterprise will enable information technology departments to automate the management and delivery of
services and capabilities to employees and customers to dynamically match changing business requirements.
Investing in Communities and Fostering Opportunity
Our commitment to using the power of technology to help communities thrive and enable people around the world
achieve their potential continues to drive our work at Microsoft. One of our most important goals is to expand access
to the benefits of digital technology beyond the 1 billion people who use computers on a regular basis today.
We do this through Unlimited Potential, which offers programs such as the one that supports 37,000 technology
training centers in 102 countries; and Partners in Learning, which has helped provide access to technology and
technology training for more than 4 million teachers and 90 million students in over 100 countries.
We also offer special versions of our development software to students and entrepreneurs. Through DreamSpark™,
high school and college students around the world can use and learn about cutting-edge software and Internet
development technologies for free. In fiscal 2009, we launched BizSpark™, which provides startup companies with
fast and easy access to Microsoft development tools and server products with no upfront costs, and offers special
technical support and marketing programs that can help them succeed.
In fiscal 2009, we also launched Elevate America, a program designed to help U.S. workers who have been affected
by the economic recession gain the skills needed to succeed in a technology- and information-driven economy.
A Catalyst for Productivity
A difficult economic climate made fiscal 2009 a challenging year for Microsoft and our entire industry. But our core
values — fiscal conservatism, a long-term approach to research and development, and a deep commitment to the
power of technology to improve people’s lives — have served the company well.
Although the economic climate is likely to remain challenging in fiscal 2010, our opportunities are greater than ever.
We believe future economic growth around the world will be driven by productivity gains that come from continuing
advances in software and digital technology.
Microsoft is in a great position to lead the way. With a superb pipeline of products and ongoing long-term
investments in key technology areas such as cloud computing, natural user interfaces, scientific computing, and
much more, we will continue to deliver innovations that help people lead richer, more productive, more creative, and
more connected lives.
Your support enables us to pursue these opportunities to help people around the globe to achieve their potential.
Thank you.
Steven A. Ballmer
Chief Executive Officer September 1, 2009