"Our commitment to make Windows better and better goes on and on
throughout the years," he continued. "I can think of only two occasions
that were similar to this: The first release of Windows, and about six
years ago, when we stood on this (same) lawn and released Windows 95."
"Even (in 1995), we couldn't have imagined how far we'd come with
Windows," Gates said. "The improvements in performance and reliability,
the new things people are going to be able to do: Real time
communications, photos, music. This is an incredible effort."
"It's a breakthrough," Gates said of XP. "We're on track for that
(October 25th) launch, which is important, and the team has done a
fantastic job." Gates and Allchin hoist the final golden master CDs for
Windows XP.
"I'm super happy to turn over build 2600 to you, to see if you'll sign
off on it today." Allchin said. "OK," said Gates, laughing. "This is it,
I'm ready to sign off. Give me the tablet and I'll do my job." He then
signed his name to the RTM release, using a prototype Windows XP-based
Tablet PC and a stylus.
At a private event after the handing off of gold CDs to the six biggest
PC makers, Allchin cheered his employees and their work on Windows XP.
Allchin is holding the retail boxes for Professional (left) and Home
Editions.
Gates celebrates the release to manufacturing of Windows XP at the
entrance to the Microsoft campus.
