Andy Sjostrom
07-25-2003, 09:47 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07252003/business/78313.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07252003/business/78313.asp</a><br /><br /></div>Bill Gates talked about Microsoft's $6.9 billion dollar R&D budget at the financial analysts conference, saying it is "a serious number". Indeed. According to the Associated Press article, Microsoft plans to add 5,000 positions "as part of its plan to spread its software to wireless phones, video-game consoles and other devices". The article mentions improvements to Xbox and a new version of Microsoft's operating software for handheld devices. A financial analysts conference is no place to joke around about big numbers. Bill is serious, not only about $6.9 billion dollar, but about seriously increasing punch behind mobile device software development. The market is slowly heating up and it will be interesting to see who will raise the bets...