14 DAY TRIAL // 2007 has debuted well for the Redmond Company. Microsoft finally managed to launch Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System and it's right on track with the development of Windows Server Longhorn. 2007 also marked Microsoft's first steps in the security industry and the turn-around of the company's search services.
But the Redmond Company is also being recognized in other fields. As a matter of fact, Microsoft has ranked 12 in Fortune's top 20 most admired companies in 2007 in the United States. In this regard, Microsoft is lagging behind Apple and Google, the occupants of the 7th and 8th position.
And it gets better, on March 20, 2007, Microsoft has also been named the 2007 Corporation of the Year by the Northwest Minority Business Council. "This is one of our industry's most prestigious and competitive awards, given to corporations that have demonstrated their commitment to minority-owned suppliers and consistently contributing to the growth and development of minority business enterprises," said Joyce Zhou, acting president of NMBC.
Microsoft has already received the Corporation of the Year award on February 9 at its Summit Awards Gala. The Redmond Company was applauded for its involvement with minority-owned business development and suppliers.
"We've more than doubled our spending with minority and women business enterprises in the past three years," said Tim McBride, chief procurement officer at Microsoft. "Today we purchase over $685 million annually in goods and services from minority- and women-owned business enterprises. While we are proud of these accomplishments and honored to be awarded Corporation of the Year, we know the journey continues and that we need to continue to engage women- and minority-owned firms."