1985 - 2007

Mar 2, 2007 15:50 GMT  ·  By

1985 vs. 2007 is a comparison between the launch of the first Windows operating environment, yes you read it right, and the most significant product launch in the history of Microsoft: Windows Vista. I will not do a feature comparison between the two operating systems. At leas not today. Instead, I want to focus on the introductory parts of the press releases announcing Windows 1.0 and Windows Vista.

"Windows provides unprecedented power to users today and a foundation for hardware and software advancements of the next few years," said Bill Bates, Chairman of Microsoft. "It is unique software designed for the serious PC user, who places high value on the productivity that a personal computer can bring."

This is an excerpt of the press release published on November 20, 1985. The Redmond Company announced it had successfully extended the features of the DOS operating system. And despite this, Windows 1.0 was still compatible with the vast majority of applications running under DOS. 22 years later, the Windows operating system powers in excess of 93% of the world's computers, and Microsoft launched Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office System together.

Fast forward to 2007: "Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will transform the way people work and play," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. "Personal computers have become a key part of the daily lives of almost a billion people worldwide. Millions of consumers had a hand in helping us design, test and create the most exciting versions of Windows and Office we've ever released. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 squarely address the needs and aspirations of people around the globe."