Recession, what recession? is the message from Microsoft Corp chairman Bill Gates, who told a Brussels conference yesterday that he expects the company to continue its strong growth in the current year, despite the slump in the computer industry We’re probably going to grow very strongly this year, he said, acknowledging that this was pretty amazing considering the computer industry downturn – but we’re growing in (market) share, mainly because of Windows: seeking to reassure developers for Windows applications, Gates said Microsoft would continue to base its future software innovations on the Windows system, adding Windows applications are the only safe choice; he noted that competitors are trying to clone Windows, a clear signal that Windows is the chosen technology, adding that the reliance on evolving and developing Windows would set Microsoft apart from the IBM Corp-Apple Computer Inc joint venture; separately, reports Dow Jones & Co, Gates said he doubted an investigation launched by the USFederal Trade Commission would uncover non-competitive practices among computer and software concerns.
