Microsoft commemorates its 50th anniversary by emphasising a significant transition towards artificial intelligence (AI), moving beyond its traditional focus on desktop computing. Executive Vice President Scott Guthrie, a 30-year veteran of the company, reflects on Microsoft's adaptability to major technological shifts, positioning it favourably for the AI era.
A pivotal moment occurred in August 2022 during a dinner at Bill Gates' residence, where OpenAI showcased an early version of GPT-4. The model's empathetic response to a diagnostic scenario profoundly impressed Microsoft leadership, highlighting AI's transformative potential.
Guthrie, overseeing Azure cloud services that power both Microsoft and OpenAI technologies, has been instrumental in previous strategic shifts, including the transition from local storage to cloud computing. Microsoft's current focus includes expanding features for its Copilot AI assistant, reflecting Guthrie's enduring passion for technological innovation—a drive that has remained constant since he joined the company in 1996.