At Microsoft, the buzzwords are 'profits' and 'patents'

Financial analysts gather in Redmond to hear what the software giant expects in the coming months.

Ballmer: Plenty of potential for profits

Microsoft's CEO says the company could grow operating income by as much as $6 billion in the next four years.
July 29, 2004

Spotlight turns to multisearch tool

The software giant demos prototype technology that can search both the Internet and a PC's hard drive.
July 29, 2004

Microsoft says it has room to grow

But with Longhorn still far afield, the company has to find a way to get more people to buy more PCs.
July 29, 2004

Gates wants patent power

Can Microsoft win itself 3,000 patents this year? The answer could have an effect on its bottom line.
July 29, 2004

related coverage

Labor group: Microsoft offshoring work on Longhorn

Organization says documents contradict industry claims that offshore outsourcing will be limited to mundane tasks.
July 29, 2004

Homeland Security works door at Gates' party

When 30 or so governors drop by, federal authorities step in to ward off subversive activity.
July 29, 2004

Details of Microsoft antivirus software leak out

French executive of software giant reveals some tidbits about company's planned entry into antivirus market.
July 28, 2004