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On December 1st 1997 I joined Microsoft UK. That makes today my ten year anniversary and somewhere in the building there is an obelisk like thing to commemorate the occasion.

When I joined Microsoft it took me about 2 weeks before I said to my family "I can't imagine working anywhere else". I don't think they actually believed me but I think they do now.

Over the last 5 years I have thought now and then about leaving to do something different but as I sit here today, I still don't see myself leaving. Sure there are some downsides to working at Microsoft but they pale in to insignificance compared to the upsides. Here are a few highlights from my 10 years

  • I've had the opportunity to see Bill Gates up close (and in front of thousands) on a number of occasions. I consider that something of a privilege. Especially given he's moving on and not many get to see such brilliance up close.
  • More recently I had the privilege of a small session with Ray Ozzie. Very different to Bill and I was massively impressed.
  • I got to help launch some great products over the last 10 years. Launch is always a blast and often chaotic but helping deliver and launch the Orange SPV Smartphone was a real highlight for me. Lots of hours on the phone (literally) with Taiwan and Seattle and helping to build a market. I made some of my best friends in that era and found out how funny Canadians can be.
  • I gained a taste for red wine. My last team can testify to that :)
  • I saw Tahoe grow from a mix of Site Server bits in to SharePoint which is now an amazingly successful product. I salute their persistence.
  • I saw the launch of 4 versions of Windows. Not bad in 10 years I think - despite what the press say.
  • I got to present at conferences around the world on mobility, Knowledge Management, SharePoint, and so much more. I went from being a very poor presenter to a pretty reasonable one, saw some amazing cites and had one very scary evening in Tijuana.
  • I've not bought a PC for over 10 years...but have owned probably over 20. Perks of the job.
  • I helped change people's opinion on Microsoft through this blog and with the Blue Monster. That's a journey without a destination.
  • I've been paid for doing what sometimes feels like my hobby. Can't be bad eh?
  • I got to present in my home town of Liverpool. Loved it.
  • Most of all, I've worked with (and still do) some truly amazing people both inside and outside of the company. You know who you are and I've made some lifelong friends through Microsoft...you know who you are too.

Thanks Microsoft. Here's to another ten years working for a remarkable company and with remarkable people.