The Directions on Microsoft Briefing Podcast Microsoft: A Look Back From Inside
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May 1, 2025 
Join Michael Cherry, a Directions analyst and Microsoft veteran since 1990 who’s set to retire, Rob Sanfilippo, a former Exchange Server team member, and Barry Briggs, ex-Lotus employee, as they reflect on Microsoft's remarkable 50-year journey. They unravel personal anecdotes from their time navigating tech challenges at major events, explore the evolving leadership under Gates, Ballmer, and Nadella, and share humorous insights from the company's dynamic culture. It's a nostalgic look at tech triumphs and transformative moments in Microsoft’s history.
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Secret Microsoft Networking Project
- Michael Cherry joined Microsoft from CH2M Hill in 1990, focusing on networking technologies and early LANs.
- Microsoft recruited him secretly to work on an ambitious project challenging Novell’s network dominance.
Microsoft’s Early Lack of Standards
- Rob Sanfilippo joined Microsoft in 1993 working on early Exchange Server and was surprised by the lack of internal standards.
- He had to push for his teams to adopt more Microsoft-like practices despite already being inside Microsoft.
Novell vs Microsoft Networking War
- Microsoft's rivalry with Novell in early networking shaped many careers and strategies during the 1990s LAN wars.
- Success hinged on challenging established protocols and convincing customers to switch from dominant players.