2006–present: Vista and Cloud computing
CEO Steve Ballmer at the MIX event in 2008. In an interview about his management style in 2005, he mentioned that his first priority was to get the people he delegates to in order. Ballmer also emphasized the need to continue pursuing new technologies even if initial attempts fail, citing the original attempts with Windows as an example.
Released in Jan.2007, the next version of Windows, Windows Vista, focused on features, security, and a redesigned user interface dubbed Aero. Microsoft Office 2007, released at the same time, featured a "Ribbon" user interface which was a significant departure from its predecessors. Relatively strong sales of both titles helped to produce a record profit in 2007.The European Union imposed another fine of €899 million for Microsoft's lack of compliance with the March 2004 judgment on Feb. 27, 2008, saying that the company charged rivals unreasonable prices for key information about its workgroup and backoffice servers. Microsoft stated that it was in compliance and that "these fines are about the past issues that have been resolved".
Bill retired from his role as Chief Software Architect on Jun.27,2008 while retaining other positions related to the comp. in addition to being an advisor for the company on key projects. Azure Services Platform, the company's entry into the cloud computing market for Windows, launched on Oct.27, 2008.On Feb.12, 2009, Microsoft announced its intent to open a chain of Microsoft-branded retail stores, and on Oct. 22. 2009 the first retail Microsoft Store opened in Scottsdale, Arizona; the same day the first store opened Windows7 was officially released to the public. Windows7's focus was on refining Vista with ease of use features and performance enhancements, rather than a large reworking of Windows.
Microsoft is a founding member of the Open Networking Found.started on Mar.23, 2011. Other founding companies include Google, HP Networking, Yahoo&17 other companies.
